1.6 FSi Sport Alternator Replacement / Belt Tensioner Problem

[strat]

Thank you for allowing me to join the forum. Can I ask for some advice please.

Our 2005 Mark 5 Golf 1.6FSi Sport seems to have suffered alternator failure. This afternoon I decided to remove said item, a job which I thought would be straightforward. On checking various online manuals/YouTube videos etc. all instructions refer to first releasing the tension on the alternator drive belt (by way of an open ended spanner and hex key to lock the tensioner into place). On my car however there does not appear to be an adjustable tensioner, just the pulley wheel in front of the alternator.

Would anybody know what I need to do to remove tension from the belt please? - I assume it is a case of simply removing the 16mm headed bolt/spindle of the pulley and moving the belt aside or am I missing something (other than a tensioner!).

Apologies if this has been covered before but I cannot find any reference to a Mark 5 without a belt tensioner.

Many thanks in advance for any help or advice

[Rob69]

Look for the spring loaded tensioner running on the backside (non ribbed) of the belt. You may also find your alternator has the sprag clutch dampening pulley which will need the special tool to replace it. For the time it takes for a garage to do this job i suggest you let them do it, rather than enter a world of pain.