VW A4: ALH TDI Alternator removal

[@dranrebnor]

Now, that is what I call: "ACTION SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS" type of instruction on how to remove an Alternator! Good Video!

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you and thank you for watching!

[@RedondoBeach2]

@Ron Bernardo, I 100% agree! The video is concise, thorough with no long or unnecessary commentary. The added sub-titles worked very well in places where a little more information was needed. Thomas, this video came up as a recommenced view for me since I'm considering doing the same job on a 2004 2.8L GTI with 126K miles. I believe much of the job will be similar to what's shown in the video. Before starting, what other opportunistic maintenance do you recommend I consider? For example, would replacement of the coolant pipe aka "crack-pipe" be ideal at this time? Possibly some other maintenance that if not done at the same time, could possibly necessitate removal of many of the same components at a later date? I appreciate the effort put into your videos.

[@EXOVCDS]

@Ron the following link is of one of my old videos (sorry about the noise in the video). kzbin.info/www/bejne/e33FeJaJqrKpkLs I move the radiator into service position so it is easier to access the alternator. Yes, one you are "in there" you might as well do other things... but how much depends on you & your wallet. There's a lot of stuff that is old / that could use replacing. Radiator fans, radiator fan switch, crack pipe & thermostat housing etc (go with all metal parts), secondary air injection components, vacuum lines, oil cooler seals, oil filter housing seal. Here's a video for crack pipe removal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYqVm4CHpbJmi9U

[@Fightordie14]

Thanks a ton for this. I did this once before 4 years ago and completely forgot tools needed. Saved me a ton of time and gave me a good game plan. Was able to knock it out in 3hrs total.

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching! All the best to you for the new year!

[@Johnny_D]

Needed to do this on my Seat Leon 1m TDi. Was a b#tch @ss job to get out. And I was stuck without a clue. Thanks to your vid, I got it out in no time. Many, many thanks mate.

[@EXOVCDS]

Johan Dekker Good to know that the video was of help to you... thank you for watching!

[@ForBluRay]

Even though I've done this one on a Jetta TDI before, you video was nice to remind me of all the stuff that had to come out of the way to get the alternator out. Thanks again.

[@EXOVCDS]

Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment!

[@lavernegibson2449]

i took the alternator out through the engine compartment, had to drain the coolant but it took me bout 30 mins, fantastic

[@EXOVCDS]

+laverne gibson There's usually more than one way to get a job done. :)

[@mrcrabass3669]

A great help did this job on a 2003 tdi bug ,i think there is less room to work ,had to make a lot more space by giving more slack to ac unit release the ac hoses, from there holding straps ,thanks

[@EXOVCDS]

Nice to hear that the video was of help and that you were able to swap it out. Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment!

[@allanashman7602]

I did mine on the driveway, it's much easier to take it out through the top rather than the bottom, alot less work, just need to move the coolant hose, handy video though.

[@EXOVCDS]

Then your alternator is "high mounted"... and not low mounted as in this video, yes? Thanks for the DIY input and thanks for watching!

[@woodd1000]

Very helpful - pulled my alternator last night.

[@EXOVCDS]

Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment!

[@linwizz2126]

How do you get one out that won't budge with a pry bar? I'm almost ready to chip it apart with an air hammer.

[@EXOVCDS]

You should have no issue getting it to move with a pry bar... wiggling it back & forth until it wiggles free. Make sure that the correct bolts have been removed. Both mounting bolts for the alternator are about 4" long... fully remove the bolts before using a pry bar.

[@samlloyd8668]

Dammit, how did I miss this video before I started the process of replacing the alternator in my daughter's 2004 1.9TDI Beetle?! This is the best video I've seen yet, and although a little verbal explanation might have been helpful at times, it's better than the ones that drone on with a bunch of distracting, pointless, repetitive, irrelevant drivel! haha

[@EXOVCDS]

I record "while I am at work"... hence, not much talking (the boss wouldn't like that).

[@madMX96]

thank you, it was pita work but your video helped a lot!

[@EXOVCDS]

Nice to hear... thank you for watching!

[@aslakbratveit6126]

Guess how many hours I have spent just thinking about the task. It seems that the car has been built around the alternator. Is that part the most precious of them all? I will try. My wrenches are not as elegant and fitted as yours. Wish me luck. Aslak Bråtveit

[@EXOVCDS]

There are worse things than alternators... just take your time, you will do fine.

[@QuinnQuinn-cn2dd]

Thomas EXOVCDS s

[@kicsikantor]

I just wanted to thank you for your grate video. Today I changed my alternator at home according to your specifications. Thank you again and Happy New Year!!! :)

[@EXOVCDS]

John3107 Thank you for watching! nice to hear that my video was of help. All the best to you & yours for the new year!

[@toyotoe3732]

Excellent video. Thank you. You removed a cover ( I believe it gives access to replace the right lowbeam and headlight bulbs ). You then removed a hoseclamp using a special tool. What is the name of this tool? Is it possible to remove this hose clamp with normal pliers?

[@EXOVCDS]

Google image search: vw hose clamp pliers. Can't get down in there with normal pliers.

[@MrDuc1979]

Is it possible to pull the alternator out from top after removing the injection pump first? Im not sure it is - I did this way on an AGR but the car had no AC..

[@EXOVCDS]

MrDuc1979 I don't know why you would want to do all that extra work (disconnecting timing belt, locking the camshaft and then re-timing the pump)... there might be more room after removing the pump, but to me it seems like more work.

[@MrDuc1979]

***** I have a bad warm start. I already replaced starter, injectors, starter batterie, checked / cleaned - wire, ip timing, temp. sensor and replaced fuel filter. I am thinking about to put in another used ip at last and maybe (did not checked the freewheel yet) want to replace the alternator at same time. And I want to say thanks for all the nice vids you are showing us. They are all very helpful and interesting.

[@EXOVCDS]

MrDuc1979 I guess if the pump is already out of the way, that it is worth trying. Looking at the video though... you can see the bracket that the ip mounts against, is still going to be in the way. Also the thermostat flange. I'm sure that you will manage one way or another. Thanks for watching my videos!

[@1966cambo]

Thanks for the great job on the video! I will be pulling one today and found your video very well done and easy to watch.

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching! If your car does not have AC, it's a bit easier: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ7MZ3hnmMeBetE

[@ivan90815]

do you have a video on removing a alternator for a 2005 vw jetta 2.5?

[@EXOVCDS]

Not yet... but you can follow the steps in the following video, where I raise the 2.5L engine to replace the alternator clutch pulley. After, you just need to remove the top idler pulley (for the alternator belt), so you can remove the upper & lower alternator bolts and wiggle the alternator out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKG4eXeAppiCo9U

[@ivan90815]

@@EXOVCDS got the top bolt out...do i need to remove anything else..theres hardly any room to fit a ratchet for the bottom bolt (for alternator)

[@EXOVCDS]

I believe that I get at the bottom one from under the car / through the wheel well (remove the wheel well liner). Should have room for a 13mm socket & ratchet... if yours don't fit, use a wrench.

[@greatvalleyone]

I watched another video that showed it being removed from thge top, it looks to be a real time saver>

[@EXOVCDS]

Link the video... so I can see. I bet there's a different "layout" (alternator is in a different location)... due to no AC.

[@EXOVCDS]

I think i found the video... he struggles just as much as it looks like I was (even though it was not a struggle for me). He also had to work from the bottom like I did. Whatever works... everyone is free to do things differently.

[@jrbc5inc]

What type of alternator did you pull out? I think mine is the same but would like to have an idea of what type to order before doing the job. Thanks, John

[@EXOVCDS]

+John Bolz there's a 70, 90 or 120A some have a clutch pulley some don't. You can read the rating on the back where the battery cable attaches... if the pulley has a plastic cover across the front, then it's a cut h pulley.

[@jrbc5inc]

+Thomas EXOVCDS. Rather I simply pulled the voltage regulator off. It's a Bosch. Thanks for the awesome video anyways.

[@EXOVCDS]

+John Bolz That'll work too! Check the clutch pulley though if it has one... odds are that it's seized up.

[@hvguy]

Reminds me of the focus.... Gotta pull motor mounts and Jack the engine forward to get to the alternator. 😭

[@EXOVCDS]

Hvguy Lot of similarities between different engines & manufacturers.

[@hvguy]

Thomas EXOVCDS the number 1 similarity across all brands that I've seen is the headache they cause 😂

[@EXOVCDS]

Hvguy Yes... headaches are universal! LOL

[@buttondeity3933]

great video! thank you so much. Did you disconnect the battery first?

[@EXOVCDS]

Probably not... because I covered the alternator cable with a hose at 11:50 . Yes, it's better / safer to disconnect the battery. Thanks for watching!

[@buttondeity3933]

Awesome thank you. I will disconnect first. Ther darn alt keeps dropping out cruising on highway. Will take it in for rebuild. Your videos are top notch

[@Irishtravelvlog]

i have a squeek coming from around the driver side wheel. only noticeable on quick acceleration. mk 2 octavia. do you think this could be an alternator pulley noise? im baffled.

[@EXOVCDS]

Maybe.

[@bedebill]

Crickey it's a tough job just for a alternator removal , thanks.

[@EXOVCDS]

Depending on the car & engine... yes, can be a bit of a pain.

[@MrRayray9091]

nice vid very help full just a question what type of recording and hardware are u using to record

[@EXOVCDS]

Ramon Diaz kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIGshYKiodGDoq8

[@andrewfrank4772]

will be doing this tomorrow.. thanks for the video!

[@EXOVCDS]

Let me know how it goes / went.

[@horseyy_edits7442]

Hi, is it definitely necessary to remove the ac compressor? Also, the Haynes manual never mentions taking out the belt tensioner? Great vid though, cheers

[@EXOVCDS]

Try it without... if you can't, do as I did. Sometimes I do things that are not required... to make things easier (more room).

[@FranciscoPenaloza1924]

LOOKS NICE THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

[@EXOVCDS]

Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment!

[@doraeitel5723]

I'll be doing this myself later today. I'll let you know how many cuss words I use while doing it. I watched several videos before finding this one. Thanks for posting and I'll follow up after I'm done with mine to let you know how it goes (from a woman's perspective. lol) I've worked on a lot of vehicles but not my bug.

[@EXOVCDS]

Hi... an update would be nice. Thank you for watching! If you need any info, just let me know.

[@doraeitel5723]

Thomas EXOVCDS Almost forgot to follow up with my update. I understand why mechanics either don't want to work on these cars or why they charge so much. Your video was very helpful as this was a real challenge. It took me about 6 hours total. I think I did okay given that I've never worked on this car before. I think the hardest part was getting the tensioner pully back on only because you can't see what you're doing. Thanks again for the video!!

[@doraeitel5723]

btw.. only about a half dozen cuss words were used. lol

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for the update! Good to hear that things went well. You'll run into many repairs where you have to work by feel because you can't see what you are trying to do. LOL... only, that's pretty good!

[@MatthewKleinTheThird]

Great video! Much appreciated.

[@EXOVCDS]

Matthew Klein Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment!

[@aygwm]

Yeah that thing is way buried. I’m beginning to love my AHU for these reasons even though it’s a less refined engine.

[@EXOVCDS]

Less refined... but easier to work on, compared to new over engineered common rail engines. =)

[@randyamos77]

Awesome run thru! Now, to find a lift. So I don't have to do all that from the comfort of my driveway :-)

[@andrewpoyser1550]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@EXOVCDS]

+Andrew Poyser Thank you for watching!

[@darientobias6104]

Hey I donated for tech support I have a fairly quick question not sure if It’s my fault and I just can’t find your number or I should be waiting for you to call me . Just curious if you could get back to me that would be great

[@EXOVCDS]

I'll continue to look for a used part, but these engines are rare in our area.

[@darientobias6104]

Thomas EXOVCDS thanks a lot ya I know you have been a huge help so far tho. Really appreciate your videos and tech support!

[@АлексейН-д7я]

спасибо за видео

[@EXOVCDS]

Спасибо за просмотр

[@MrErikw26]

Now why in the hell did they bury the alternator.....oh yeah vw. Lol

[@EXOVCDS]

Good thing time is money!

[@MrErikw26]

Good point. What did tyat bill vs how long it took you?

[@EXOVCDS]

MrErikw26 I'm not on flat rate, but I'm sure that it was quicker than what the labor guide suggests. Clutch pulley can be done on car... even a bigger time saver (labor guide says remove alternator first).

[@MrErikw26]

Lucky you, especially this time of year. Feeling the crunch here. Burned 2 personal days to make my week this week. Got an unexpected rush on Saturday which helped.

[@EXOVCDS]

MrErikw26 I couldn't handle it and wouldn't even want to try... even at an hourly pay, I work on three cars at a time (when we're busy). Should have paid more attention in school and gotten a desk job after high school.

[@suadspahic2174]

Prekmpikovano. skinuto puno ne potrebnih stvari.

[@EXOVCDS]

Svatko čini stvari drugačije

[@crystalbright1127]

Tacno prika, vidi se da nema iskustva u ovim stvarima.

[@tothlacko8290]

Damn. I tought it will be a pain in the @ss.... I had to do this on my 1.9 Toledo... Thanks to saving me a day off swearing all the engineers WHO made this junk😂.

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@anthonybarger]

kind of a big job 🥺

[@EXOVCDS]

Gotta do what you gotta do.

[@11SEXMACHINE]

I have to do this on my back in the driveway:( Damn volkswagon!!!!)

[@EXOVCDS]

That means you can take a nap half way through! =)

[@11SEXMACHINE]

You read my mind!

[@11SEXMACHINE]

So I got everything out of the way. But I can't really move the ac compressor a whole lot. The hoses in the back are a little different than on this video. ( 99 vw beetle tdi) Can I disconnect the coolant hose above it and pull it out on top?

[@11SEXMACHINE]

Never mind, I refused to loose. I found the 1 exact way you have to face it and hold the compressor out of the way, and with your third hand and many obsenities later, it comes right out!lol

[@EXOVCDS]

Dana Steele I was just gonna reply... but it's good to hear that you managed ok.

[@garrett3951]

This SUCKS without a lift and an air gun...

[@EXOVCDS]

That's why I no longer work after hours / do work on the side. I'm always impressed by what DIYers accomplish in their garage / driveway etc. Happy new year!