MK4 VW 1.8t Alternator Replacement

[@paulinman2688]

I took out one bolt from the power steering hose just below the alternator moved to the side didn't have to take out the l throttle body.

[@StevesGarage]

This is great to know! Thanks for the comment, I pinned it for anyone else watching.

[@moun10high]

Took 25 minutes to take the alternator out with this guide. Thanks a LOT!!

[@StevesGarage]

That's awesome! It's annoying that it's kind of stuffed in there, but not a bad job if you know the procedure.

[@Krasniye]

Excellent video, to the point and very clear. Hate when a video spends 30 minutes on a simple install. Biggest pain for me was getting the belt back on but it honestly wasn't that bad

[@StevesGarage]

Thanks for the comment! Honestly, it's exactly why I started this channel. Most people don't need a video in real time on how to replace something, just a simple guide to make sure you're doing it right. The belt is definitely a pain, there's just not a lot of room to work in.

[@strangus]

Just did my first alternator replacement with help of this video. Thanks!

[@StevesGarage]

Awesome! Glad it helped.

[@Mk4joe]

I love that you get to the point in your videos they have been so much help with replacing my ac

[@StevesGarage]

Thank you! That's my goal, so I'm glad you appreciate it.

[@ribar1738]

Works on any of the 2.0s and you don’t even have to remove the intake! Thank you!!!

[@StevesGarage]

Thanks for the comment, it's good to know it's similar!

[@toddshanafelt5036]

Brilliant. Thanks!

[@StevesGarage]

Thanks for commenting, glad it helped!

[@longohome]

AC Compressor - I need to remove my alternator to get to the AC Compressor. Is it a clear shot to the compressor after removing the alternator. I have to 1.8T engine (VW Beetle). Great video!

[@StevesGarage]

Thanks for checking it out! It should be a straight shot to the compressor, but I haven't done one yet on my car. You may need to go in from below for access.

[@longohome]

@@StevesGarage Thanks for the reply, Steve. I'll let you know if I have a problem. I was going to go from below and take out the power steering pump but I saw that the bracket that holds in the power steering pump will still be in the way. I'll let you know how it goes. It's the first major thing I have done on a car but your video gives me some confidence.... hopefully not false confidence LOL

[@StevesGarage]

@@longohome Happy to help! I think you've got it! I always remember it's just nuts and bolts. Take things out and put them back in. Sometimes it's really hard to do those things, but at the end of the day that's all it is. I've done compressors on other cars, but access is always different per cars, so that doesn't really help.

[@boon3383]

Do you think this would work for a 1.8T golf ?

[@StevesGarage]

Absolutely! Under the hood the Jetta and golf are the same.

[@lelandcoberley8723]

Thanks man.

[@StevesGarage]

You got it, thanks for the comment!

[@juanquinones2597]

Hey good video thank you for thw info. Question... My serpentine belt doesn't line up with the new or even before with the old tensioner. Any ideas??

[@StevesGarage]

Is your tensioner installed incorrectly? I think it's possible to install backwards, and then it's not lined up correctly with the rest of the belts.

[@juanquinones2597]

@@StevesGarage Hey thank you for the response. I just finished it . Looking at it found that the bottom bolt that doesn't hold the hose bracket (top to do) didn't seem to align correctly with the bracket against the block. So added a washer to the bottom bolt and problem solved.😁👍👍

[@juanquinones2597]

My bad top two. Lol

[@StevesGarage]

@@juanquinones2597 That works! Glad you were able to figure it out.

[@tbone6595]

Thanks for the vid. What was the amperage on that new alternator?

[@StevesGarage]

You got it! Pretty sure stock for my car was 90 amp, but the GLIs may have come with 120 amp? I went with 90 because I don't have anything like stereo equipment that draws more power.

[@jamiecummins8631]

Replaced the alternator and when I out the new one it, there was some gap between the alternator and the mount. Bolted it down and tightened up. Also replaced belt tensioner, when I run the car, it wants to throw the belt now. Any suggestions? Everything appears to inline as far as the pulleys.

[@StevesGarage]

If you have a 1.8t, there's a small bracket that may be out of order on the tensioner. If you order the bracket and tensioner wrong it can position it out of whack. Also, are you sure you have the correct alternator? I know there are some differences among mk4s, I think there are a different number of grooves on some.

[@SirBoostAlot]

What size alternator you have?? 90amp or 120amp if so how can I run the 120amp instead

[@StevesGarage]

I have the 90 amp. My car doesn't have any aftermarket items that draw a lot of power so I didn't see the need to upgrade. As far as I know you can directly swap in a 120 amp, but I'm not positive. I've never needed to upgrade an alternator before. What are you running that you feel the need to upgrade?

[@collinstewart4179]

It is possible to get the alternator out by just undoing the opposite end of the hose to the that connects to the throttlebody. Tho with a cool engine its not needed either you can bend it around the alternator but just slide it down into the big gap turn it sideways and carefully wiggle through and around hose and then your all done. I'm about to do it in the next hour maybe ill video it to show everyone cuz seems like everyone has struggled to get it out without removing a bunch of stuff

[@StevesGarage]

Possibly, but I'm honestly not sure. Everything is pretty cramped in that corner so pulling the throttle body might just be the most direct even if it would fit out like you describe.

[@ianlaw1160]

Thank you for this video!

[@StevesGarage]

You got it! Happy to help.

[@dmajumdar2059]

Been a while!

[@StevesGarage]

I know! I've been really busy with other life stuff, but I'm still trying to get some videos out there! Hope you enjoy, and you find it helpful.

[@MiataMan]

Awesome video! Thanks 👍🙏

[@StevesGarage]

You got it, glad it helped!

[@jamesbaca3324]

What you do is pull the alternator out towards the battery and it slides right out on the right side of the radiator

[@StevesGarage]

Never thought about trying that. It fits passed all the AC lines and other PCV junk in that area? Anyone watching the video should try that route if you can snake it through there.

[@stabattack]

@@StevesGarage about to remove mine, will check.

[@stabattack]

Not even worth trying, throttle body removal is so easy it's just dumb to even waste the time attempting to smash it through.

[@StevesGarage]

@@stabattack And there we have it! Thanks for trying, and commenting back. 4 bolts is definitely way easier than fumbling around and trying to make it fit through places it doesn't want to.

[@Brinkz1.8t20v]

I just took off the whole intake manifold 😂

[@StevesGarage]

That works too! Sometimes it's easier to just remove large items as opposed to spending time trying to fit yourself and the parts in a tight space.

[@SenpaiEzra]

Put it in service mode

[@StevesGarage]

I thought service mode was for replacing the radiator? Don't you have to remove the fenders and front bumper to get it into service mode? Seems like more work than just unbolting the throttle body.

[@StevesGarage]

I thought service mode was for replacing the radiator? Don't you have to remove the fenders and front bumper to get it into service mode? Seems like more work than just unbolting the throttle body.

[@SenpaiEzra]

@@StevesGarage nah you just have to pop the bumper off, for me having the car mostly used you track the bumper removal is like a minute

[@StevesGarage]

@@SenpaiEzra Ahh, yea my bumper is still held on by the million torx bolts VW decided to use

[@BRVYDEN]

I’m selling my car after this job totally ignorant 1999 Jdm wolfsberg Gti mk4, do not ever buy this fucking car I beg you

[@StevesGarage]

What issues have you had with it? I know MK4s have a bad reputation, but I've had pretty good luck with mine.