Alternator and power steering issues after serpentine belt change help

[bk.bas99]

futher to a previous post it look like my alternator is shot. The pulley is OK and spinning the alternator but there is no output. The alternator sounds very noisy so I am assuming that the bearings are knackered and therefore the brushes are worn out or not making contact. Also noticed squealing from the steering on hard lock, which I traced to steering fluid low (so assume a leak somewhere as isn't it a sealed system...or is that just a normal top up issue?). My question is that all of this was working Ok before the cambelt and aux belts were changed 2K miles ago. Is it possible that the new serpentine belt could be tighter and has damaged the bearings on the alternator and pump, could it be the wrong belt, could the tensioner be out of alignment. It all looks OK, the belt is tight and visibly spins OK. It may all just be co-incidence as the car has done 130K miles now, but before I start replacing alternators etc I want to be sure that a replacent is not going the same way!! :aargh4:

[Doctle Odd]

First check if the alternator clutch has gone

[bk.bas99]

clutch is turning the alternator in both directions, so isn't siezed but is also not slipping, so I am assuming that as it is knackered, but as it is spinning the alterrnator I am guessing that is also at fault. As it's about for a fully reconditioned OEM alt I am just gonna change the lot as by time I have bought the pulley and tool that is about 1/2 that cost. HAve taken alternator off. Is there some trick other than brute force and ignorance (which I can supply in spades) to get it out past the hoses????? :mad:

[Doctle Odd]

What engine?

[bk.bas99]

1.9TDi AWX. Have got reconditioned OEM (valeo) alternator. Clutch definitely siezed on old one, turned ok in both directions but didn't slip. Haven't re-fitted yet as bug**ring around with thermostat first

[Doctle Odd]

You might need some cream for skinned knuckles if you don't pull the lock carrier forward :)

[bk.bas99]

yes managed to get the alternator off no problem without resorting to lock carrier position, but lets see how we go with re-assembly. Looks like it's going to be difficult to hold 19mm ring spanner with one hand and do belt with other...or should I but belt on alternator then hold tensioner while putting viscous fan back on. Expect cursing, especially as it all came apart so easily

[zollaf]

once you know how to do the front, it takes 20 mins tops. that 20 mins will save so much hassle down the line. just do it....

[bk.bas99]

Replacement alternator arrived from Schmitz_RE in Birmingham. Is indeed a genuine valeo fully reconditioned (looks new to me) at £78 including next day delivery, fitted and all working great. Probably could have just done the pulley but by time bought pulley, spline tools etc I decided the extra £40 odd was worth it to get a fully reconditioned unit with a years warranty. Changed thermostat (genuine VW) at same time and that seems to have sorted the low temp issue so all good.

PS....No skinned knuckles, couldn't believe how easily it all came apart and went back together without resorting to service position.. Thanks everyone for the advice