Started making this noise the other day. Have done the following troubleshooting. Checked oil, re-torqued spark plugs, visually inspected belts, oil temp around 160-170F, coolant temp 200F, alternator 14V, 91 octane gas. Noise appears to be coming from front passenger side bank of cylinders. Noise seems to be full speed with the engine not half speed like you expect to hear from a lifter. Oil type is Castrol Syntec 5W-40. Ideas on what to check next?
4.2 Engine Noise
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jmansfield04
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Could be VW puts the hoses to alt in the cooling system diagram vs electrical... Keep us posted....I probably start a new thread for the DIY as it would be much easier for those searching to find DIY Alternator Generator Replacement...
Also, for those getting ridiculous high quotes for labor hours at their dealers, my advise would be to print the TSB from provided link a cooler posts back and show the the time units VW shows....a 3-4 hour job would be more in line...
Also, for those getting ridiculous high quotes for labor hours at their dealers, my advise would be to print the TSB from provided link a cooler posts back and show the the time units VW shows....a 3-4 hour job would be more in line...
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Got a little ahead of myself yesterday when I said it was out. At that point I had all the connections I could see disconnected. This morning went at it again and found two coolant pipes feeding into the back of the alternator. Took me another hour to get those undone and drain the coolant. I didn't bother draining the whole system, only down to the alternator. Anyway, felt good to get it out. I can't find any auto parts places local that carry this. I've tried Napa, Autozone, Carquest and Advance Auto. I'm dropping it off at the rebuild shop on Monday and have my fingers crossed.
Here is a picture of it removed.
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Here is a picture of it removed.
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So do I, you know many are rooting for ya!
Thanks for clearing up the liquid cooled part. I guess you won't go the route of MarkLWarner, and replace the alternator with a non-liquid cooled Bosch unit from Napa as he did. I'm still not clear why he elected to go with a non-liquid version. Was it price or a much easier DIY re-install?
BTW jmansfield04, what is the warranty on their rebuild work? I imagine 1 year?
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The Napa version isn't available on the east cost. Found that out direct from Napa. So that's not even an option. I found out about the rebuild shop by word of mouth. The shop is a small mom and pop shop but this guy has been doing rebuilds for close to 30 years and mostly does marine. I think it's one of those deals where he'll go good on any poor workmanship without saying. I am worried about getting it back in and then there being something else the matter with it. I spun the alternator with a half inch drill after it was out and sure enough there is bearing noise coming from it. Glad to hear you guys are pulling for me. If everything works out I'll be doing a nice DIY when I put it back together.
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" I am worried about getting it back in and then there being something else the matter with it. I spun the alternator with a half inch drill after it was out and sure enough there is bearing noise coming from it. Glad to hear you guys are pulling for me. If everything works out I'll be doing a nice DIY when I put it back together."
The rebuilding guy probably has a test bed where he can throw on some excitation and test it on a some load. If he doesn't I would at least take it Autozone where they can perform that test before assembly. Good luck, hope it works well and you will have saved a bundle.
By the way, how did the VW techs zero in on the problem? Had they heard it before? Did they use a listening device like a stethascople or something ?
The rebuilding guy probably has a test bed where he can throw on some excitation and test it on a some load. If he doesn't I would at least take it Autozone where they can perform that test before assembly. Good luck, hope it works well and you will have saved a bundle.
By the way, how did the VW techs zero in on the problem? Had they heard it before? Did they use a listening device like a stethascople or something ?
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I went with the Bosch air-cooled replacement only for cost and ease of availability. It was over $100 cheaper than the discounted 1st VW alternator and a lower core charge as well. Also, it took two days to get it in from Atlanta as opposed to 10 days from 1st VW.
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How can you say that, when 2 guys on this thread alone just went ahead and did it?
Then again, if you mean rating it on the DIY mechanic difficulty scale from 1-5, with 5 being most difficult, then perhaps, yes a 5 for many of us more inept type.
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It's a VERY good reason for having a warranty though!
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Stopped by my VW dealer to find out the price on the generator if my rebuild guy doesn't come through. $650 + $125 core. He said a couple of days ship time. Also ordered some replacement O-rings for the coolant tubes. $1 each.
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J, How did the VW mechanics isolate the problem to the alternator? Had they heard it before? Did they use a stethoscope or something? I am just wondering what made them so sure that was the problem?
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Took it to an independent. He used a listening device to determine where the noise was coming from. I have verified the alternator front bearing is faulty now that it's removed.
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Are you getting a 10%-15% with that $650? If not, have you tried any of the clubtouareg commercial vendors? I use Emich, and have them ship with either FedEx Ground or Express, depending on how heavy it is. Get very decent pricing with them on some items. Just make sure to mention the forum name. There are others on here I have not tried, so can't comment on them.
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No discount, but that doesn't matter now anyway. Heard from my rebuild shop, and it's ready to go! Cost is $119, replaced both bearings. He says otherwise it looks to be in good shape, tests out OK. Said it looked like a "well built" unit. So if I can get this back in without any other issues I'll be into it for $125.30. $119 rebuild and $6.30 for new O-rings. I'll probably get a start on it tomorrow after work and hopefully finish things up on Saturday morning. A DIY is forthcoming!
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PIX PLEASE!
YES - I'M SHOUTING!!
PLEASE, PLEASE, TAKE SOME PIX!!!!
Thank you......
YES - I'M SHOUTING!!
PLEASE, PLEASE, TAKE SOME PIX!!!!
Thank you......
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411 Posts
Worked on it for 3.5 hours today after work. Got the alternator in, coolant tubes connected, and electrical. Tomorrow morning need to put the serpentine belt back on, refill coolant, re-install airbox, and test for leaks. If no leaks then wheel liner goes back on. Took plenty of pictures and have been documenting bolt sizes/tools needed to remove them.
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You should have set up a web cam for us all to follow your adventures!!
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