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[omega2018]

thanks to the helpful jcrsupplies.co.uk i now know that there are 3 things that could need replacing in my alternator

bearings (2 off)
regulator
rectifier

the rectifier is the large black plastic and ally thing on the back that the reg attaches to.  it is expensive £38? and seems to just be some potted diodes i assume I can test it simply with a diode check.  i also assume it very rarely fails?  im still tempted to only replace the reg.


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[omega2018]

regulator from M.U.R.E arrived yesterday so today i fitted it and re-fitted the alternator, all fine now.  it is quite easy to test the rectifier and regulator with a multimeter, could even be done while the alt is in place. 

changed the aux belt too there is no way a gates 6PK2020 belt fits my car.  fitted a 6PK2030 instead and that was very tight had to slide it on with a cutlery knife and the belt tensioner is still almost on max. 

[Marks DTM Calib]

As already mentioned, the rectifiers never fail on these......and get the beraings elsewhere for known quality at a simialr or lower price (e.g. simplybearings)

.....as for the belt length, are you absolutely confident that the alternator is fitted correctly with the bolt through both block mounts. Last time I saw the 'correct' belt not fit was after somebody had replaced the alternator and the top bolt was only resting against the top mount and resulting in a longer belt run.

When re-fitting these alternators, its useful to tap the sliding shim in the alternator mount outwards so its loose on the block mount, tightening the bolt will then 're-adjust' the shim to the correct size.

[omega2018]

yes you are right and the alternator top bolt is not through the engine, thanks.  i did realise this after searching the forum. it might be worth adding that 'gotcha' to the alternator change article especially your shim tip as the alternator is a tight fit - crowbar required to remove it.

now i have to do it again luckily the bagpipes are not fixed in yet.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Maintenance guide edited, thanks!

[dbug]

alternator is out now  wasn't as difficult as I expected.  in fact getting the bag pipes out was the worst bit.  i had already taken the rad bottom cover off but that was not needed i could get a small drive and 11mm socket round the back ok from above.  had to put a crowbar on the alt to move it mind.

the two long bolts were in opposite ways  torx end at back on top bolt and at front on bottom one is that normal?  no spring washers either.

now its out it the bearing seem fine no play i can feel.  im tempted to skip bearing replacement and just replace the reg.  are they any other things to replace eg diodes?

im new how long do i have to keep filling in this verification code for? its annoying.
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Same on our 2.6V6 Estate - spring washers not needed - the nuts on ours were deliberately "slightly" out of round to prevent accidental loosening - think they're referred to distorted thread locknuts