Alternator Pulley Fell Off

Post by **oragex** » 02 Dec 2018, 13:11

Use only quality parts. Belt kit Continental, pump Aisin (only). PCV time as well while there. Tensioner of the serpentine belt. Good idea about the thermostat. A good check at the air compressor pulley (the bearing usually needs replaced at 150K miles and the clutch gap adjusted).

And perhaps have a spare ignition coil in the trunk (along with 1-2 tools to remove it and the plastic cover) when it will happen to fail all of a sudden.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 02 Dec 2018, 18:22

Guy says his pulley is 150K old and OK. That's great. Your unit is at 155.
Guys say get a new one. You find too many part numbers AND the prices at and above $400 raise your eyebrows (believe me, I understand).
I must be the only person in the USA to have had these things rebuilt by good, local businesses.
No p/n worries when you get your own one rebuilt
Go to Alternator & Starter Exchange 331 Wilhagen Rd. in your home town. (615) 365-7200. Ask 'em if they use good quality parts.
You will save $250 having your unit rebuilt. Do the other maintenance people have suggested here as well.
It'll be SO MUCH EASIER to inspect the AC's clutch end with the alternator out of the way.

Post by **cn90** » 02 Dec 2018, 23:36

I have rebuilt a lot of alternators, so I understand.

A typical rebuild:
- New Bosch or Valeo VR: about $60. Do not use Chinese VR!
- Bearings x2: if you use Nachi or Koyo, then another $40-$50. Again, stay away from Chinese bearings.
Total cost is $100.

- Slip rings are usually worn by 170K, good slip rings are hard to find.

- Plus the OP had possible bolt mounting issue, this is why I recommend a new Bosch. If you spend $300 for a part that lasts some 150K miles, it is money well-spent. FYI, four (4) new tires these days cost > $500-$600, so $300 for a brand-new alternator is good idea. Towing cost is easily > $100, not to mention getting stranded.

Post by **abscate** » 03 Dec 2018, 04:56

The difference between working with a local shop and a rebuilt Bosch is that Bosch outsourced their rebuilding to China and their rebuilds are crap. That's from people in a position to know.

Post by **jonesg** » 03 Dec 2018, 05:57

cn90 wrote: ↑01 Dec 2018, 17:13 At 155K, the alternator is at the end of its lifespan (bearing wearing out, VR wearing out).

Maybe the bolt felt off.

The pulley has a clutch inside and at 155K, it is on borrowed time.

Personally, I'd buy a NEW (not rebuilt alternator) and move on.
Alternator is something that can get you stranded and towing cost is expensive.
Get a new Bosch and move on, it is about $300 or so.

There are 2 versions 140A and 160A.

Google Bosch AL0832N and see what you get.

It's not that bad actually, I lost my belt and drove 25 miles home, headlights off , late afternoon.
When I got home I shut down and the battery still cranked the engine.
No need for tow truck if you can extract the broken belt , steering will be a bit heavy.

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 03 Dec 2018, 18:03

Still looking for the correct new Bosch in the $300. range. My PN is 30667787. I found a couple on ebay that are supposed to be Bosch for $289. but am waiting to hear from the seller if they are actually new Bosch. I am also going to contact a re builder tomorrow to see what they have to offer. BTW, I get free towing through my auto insurance.

Post by **cn90** » 03 Dec 2018, 22:43

Easier to look at your own Alternator in the car right now, copy the Bosch PN and search under Bosch.
Volvo PN is OK too, but much more expensive at dealer.

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 04 Dec 2018, 07:41

The guy at alternator and Starter exchange in Nashville says he only rebuilds part time and is reluctant to do a Volvo. Wants to sell me an aftermarket alternator for $225.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 04 Dec 2018, 11:55

Check if there's a rebuilder in Memphis.

Or see if the one IPD has ON SALE RIGHT NOW for $301 is the one for you.

It'll have free shipping. Call and ask if it's a newie or a rebuild.

I just ordered my PCV hardware kit as it is too ON SALE. So are Bilstein shocks / struts.

Tell 'em "George" sent you. (kidding)

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 19 Dec 2018, 17:38

Question. I know the pulley locks in one direction but slips in the other. Should it move pretty freely in the non locked direction? The new one I bought from IPD is pretty tight. Also, is there a bolt for the pulley? I can't seem to find one on the Volvo parts diagrams.

Alternator Pulley Fell Off

Re: Alternator Pulley Fell Off