1.9TDi (130PS) Battery Light On & No Power Steering

[audicab26]

Hi,

Was backing my 2002 Passat 1.9TDi 130 on to the drive today when suddenly the power steering failed, a warning stating 'alternator workshop' came on for a moment and then the battery light came on and stayed on.

I called the AA. The guy seemed to know what the fault was before I could get the bonnet up. Common fault?

One of the drive belts had no tension and the tensioner moved when he pulled on the belt. He told me that it would be a bearing failure in the tensioner and that I was fortunate that no damage appears to have been done (phew). He has taken the car to my local VW specialist for remedy.

My question is - will replacing the tensioner mean open wallet surgery. Same garage replaced the cam belt and water pump only last year and less than 5000 miles ago.

Thanks in advance - just looking for some reassurance!

[yaman]

A decent Febi tensioner will cost around 100 squids....http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-BEETLE-PASSAT-BELT-TENSIONER-DAMPER-V-BELT-NEW-/180584647413?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a0baf0af5

But!!! a faulty alternator pulley clutch has (most likely) caused the tensioners death,
and should be replaced aswell...http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-PASSAT-1-6-1-8-1-9-2-0-tdi-ALTERNATOR-CLUTCH-PULLEY-/140579971978?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item20bb38238a

Labour costs will vary, should be 2hrs.

Regards
Jim

[audicab26]

Hi jim,

All done at my local VAG specialist now - I asked him to check the Alternator pulley clutch - but he declared it to be in fine fettle. Bill was a not too bad £227 inc VAT & labour etc.