Alternator Pulley Fell Off

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 01 Dec 2018, 12:24

Hi everyone,
2007 V70, 155000 miles. yesterday while driving home on the interstate my serpentine belt and alternator pulley came off. I drive the car to the nearest parking lot and called a tow truck. So far, this is what I know: I had no odd noises or chirping coming from the engine. The alternator spins freely, as does the AC and tension pulley. The clutch pulley seems to test fine, moves in one direction, locks in the other although its a little difficult to move in the non-locked direction. It was slightly raining and I currently have no splash guard under the car. The belt did not break. The tension pulley has a very small bit of play bit I don't think it is enough to cause the belt to slip. Even if the belt did slip would this cause the alternator pulley to come off? It looks like there is a small bit of thread damage on the pulley and possibly on the end of the alternator shaft. If this was your car, would you replace the pulley, the pulley and alternator, or the pulley, alternator and tension pulley.
Thanks much,
Rick

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 01 Dec 2018, 14:16

Were it my car I'd take my alternator to a rebuild shop. There has to be one accessible to Nashvillians.

A rebuild will get you new bearings, regulator / brushes, ring, and freewheel pulley. At your mileage, very little of any remaining service life of any one of these components will be wasted. Anything which has spun for 155K owes you nothing.

I found my tensioner pulley to have some play but I didn't have time to send for one from the European parts places so I bought a replacement tensioner which included a new pulley for only a few bucks more. It was Gates from Canada bought from a good NAPA shop near me. Though the car hasn't been mine for a while, I haven't heard from the owner, who I see regularly, that anything went wrong.

You say your alternator pulley is stiff in the free-wheel direction? Replace it as that is what probably precipitated your breakdown.

The rebuilder shop will also clean up any thread damage. It's the way I'd go.

Post by **cn90** » 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.

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 01 Dec 2018, 17:59

Thanks for the advice. As for a new Bosch Alternator, boschautoparts.com says the correct part number is AL0870N.

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 01 Dec 2018, 18:22

After doing some research, the part I mentioned is an 180 amp. FCPEURO confirms your part number nut I am having a hard time finding a new one.

Post by **oragex** » 02 Dec 2018, 01:55

Have you checked Ipd, Tasca? Also a must to inspect all other pulleys on that belt.

Does the alt pulley look like its the original one, or a replacement? Timing belt was done by now? It is good to inspect which part brands were used.

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 02 Dec 2018, 10:32

I'm of a different opinion...just replace the clutch pulley. Save big $.

If the pulley just came off, either the holding bolt came loose or it was already a replacement (assuming you aren't the original owner), and the new one wasn't tightened properly. A special tool is needed to remove and install the pulley. OEM (Bosch) alternators are built to last, clutch pulley's not so much. I replaced my pulley for around $70 2-3 years ago (for tool and quality pulley). Hardest thing was getting the pulley off so you have it made. It's been running great since the change and the alternator is still running fine after 17 years and 150k miles.

It appears you are comfortable with the condition of the alternator bearings, tensioner and air conditioner pulley. Change out the alternator pulley and see how it goes. If you get noise, vibration, belt movement later, think about replacing the alternator.

Also double check the condition of the multi-belt since it was thrown.

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 02 Dec 2018, 10:38

We bought this car in March 2016 with about 128000 miles, from the original owner. The car had been serviced regularly and is still very clean. The pulley looks like it's been there for a while so I am pretty sure it is original. The timing belt had never been replaced. I bought the parts but have neglected to do the work. Since the car is down anyway I am going to do the timing belt\water pump\thermostat first. while waiting for the alternator. I will also replace the tension pulley\belt and possible the whole tension assembly but will probably wait to replace the AC pulley for now.

I am still trying to find a NEW Bosch alternator at a good price and cant find one for less that $400 or so. rebuilds are very common.
Tasca has a new OEM Volvo for $475.

Post by **cn90** » 02 Dec 2018, 11:09

I don't know if 2007 V70 is the same, but I did the whole thing (timing belt, pulleys x2, WP, serp belt & its pulley etc.).

I posted the DIY below.

DIY: 2005 Volvo XC90 2.5T Timing Belt, Water Pump, Serpentine Belt
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=83521

Post by **cn90** » 02 Dec 2018, 12:30

- Get a flash light and mirror and see what you have in the car right now.

- Go to Bosch web site and search for PN, make sure you enter the correct engine 2.4 vs 2.5T, maybe the alternator is the same for both engines, I don't know.

- If you do a google search using Bosch 0124625024, you will see quite a few sellers.

- Example is this seller from NYC, Bosch 0124625024 for $319:

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-0124625024 ... B00C7H7UKW