How to Free the Alternator Mount Sleeve
Does your Volkswagen exhibit any of the following symptoms?
- Alternator wobbles around in it's mount
- Alternator fits loosely in the mount, no matter how tight the bolt may be
- Strange belt wear
- Alternator mounting bolt breaks frequently
If so, there's a good chance that the sleeve in the rear of the mount is stuck. When functioning correctly, the sleeve is drawn toward the alternator as you tighten the bolt. Thus clamping the alternator firmly between the ears of the bracket. A seized sleeve, on the other hand, does not grip the alternator and causes the symptoms listed above.
Luckily, the solution is: A. Cheap B. Simple and C. quick. Before we get started, take a look at the picture below to see what we're going to fix.
(Click image for enlarged view)
Then gather the following materials:
| Item | QTY |
|---|---|
| 3" long 5/16" Bolt (Grade 8) | 1 |
| 5/16" Nut | 1 |
| 5/16" Washers | 2 |
| 3/8" Washer | 1 |
| 1" Shallow Socket | 1 |
| PB Blaster |
It's Go-Time!
Soak both sides of the sleeve with PB Blaster. This will allow the Blaster to do the voodoo that at does so well while you work on steps 1-4.
(Click image for enlarged view)
- Remove the alternator from the bracket.
- Place a 5/16" washer onto the bolt and insert through the driver side of the rear alternator mount ear.
- Slip a 1" diameter socket on the inside edge of the rear mount ear so that the bolt passes through the square hole on the ratchet-end of the socket.
- Place (in order) the large washer, a small washer, and a 5/16" nut on the end of the bolt.
- Place a wrench on the the nut and a ratchet on the bolt (In this case, both were 13mm) and slowly tighten the assembly. Hold the socket in place until you make sure everything is nice and snug (don't let it cock out to the side as this will put undue stress on the bolt).
- Continue cranking until the sleeve breaks loose and you are satisfied with the amount of movement.
- Slide the "foot" of the alternator into the bracket, slip the bolt through the hole, and install the nut (finger tight). (If the alternator fits, proceed to step 9)
- If the alternator no longer fits in to the bracket, it may be necessary to back the sleeve out a hair. To do this, simply flip the socket over to the other side of the rear mount ear and adjust to taste.
- Install the belt and apply proper tension.
- Start Engine.
If everything worked according to plan, the alternator should be "rock-solid" in the mount and your life will be a little easier.
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