1993 polo alternator removal problem

[rayb]

Hi
I have a 1993 Polo Genesis 1270cc petrol. The alternator is not giving any volts. I am trying to remove it to check brushes, slip rings etc. The problem is that the upper pivot bolt will only come out about 20mm before hitting the offside chassis. The Polo had a wing replaced about 6 years ago, but surely this cannot have moved inwards 30mm. Any ideas, the only thing I can think of is jacking the engine up to give me clearance.

[4jr2]

Hi

Probably a bit late for rayb but just in case anyone else needs an answer:

I have the same model 1993 Polo Genesis 1270cc petrol and had the same problem - it took me a few hours to work out how to get it out!

There is a threaded collar/sleeve which the tip of the top mounting bolt mates with through the right hand end of the engine mount casting that the alternator fastens to.

You only need to undo the mounting bolt a bit over 1cm until it is loose in it's thread.

To allow you to pivot the shaft of the mounting bolt through the slot in the left hand side of the engine mount casting you must drift the collar right back into the right hand side of the engine mount casting which will give you the clearance you need. I used a hammer and a large blunt screwdriver to drift it back in with the screwdriver tip against the collar where it meets the alternator. I don't think it had been done since new and was very stiff so took quite a few firm taps to get it to move at all. You should now be able to remove it - in fact watch it does not drop out, mine nearly did. At this point there was a small celebration with a cup of tea .

To re-fit clean up the bolt, offer it up to the mount by sliding the shaft back through the slot then tighten the bolt to pull the collar back up tight against the alternator mounting.