Dead alternator

[KiwiRS4]

Had the unpleasant surprise of the alternator deciding to commit suicide this afternoon. Luckily the Bosch silver plus battery had plenty of juice remaining to complete the trip home. Not the most exciting trip watching the voltage drop and the dash lighting up like a xmas tree.

Looking for advise on Valeo or Bosch replacement and also if it's something that's DIY or requires the finer touch of the specialists with a hoist.

Be interested in hearing from anyone who has suffered from this before.

[tdiquattro]

I changed mine, ordered on-line, easy enough to change, it can be done by pulling it out from under the car, it does go, just needs twisting to one side, obviously the belt has to come off.

Mune was valeo, and i have been told by 2 specialists the bosh is much better, bigger brushes, etc.

Audi dont sell it with the pully on so that is extra!, try to get one elsewhere, they are half the price, or change the brushes as that is almost certainly the problem and they are available as a service part, it is just if the rings are badly worn it might not last.

[ess4avant]

Had same problem on my RS4/ B5 last summer, turned out 2 b voltage regulator [ £26 + vat] which fixes onto
the alternator. New alternator is £300 + so worth a try, r u in NZ ? only the audi tech. that found problem 4 me
now lives in New Plymouth he'll b able 2 advise

[KiwiRS4]

Thanks for the info ess4, I'm based in the UK. Be interested in contact your audi tech in NZ, could you PM me his details.

Is there an easy way to check whether you have a Bosch or Valeo without crawling under the car?

[rickoshea]

If it's not charging then it's not a Bosch

[ess4avant]

Hi Kiwirs4, fraid there is no easy way of telling we used torches and mirrors , helps if your a contortionist !
at the moment can only talk 2 my friend on Facebook [ usually Sun mornings, his evening] but will let him know bout
u and your car when we chat. Dont like 2 give his name out before i talk 2 him

[KiwiRS4]

Thanks guys for your input. The guys at Fontain came through with the goodies. Overnight delivery of the parts (alternator/pulley/belt) and a good knowledge of the B5 platform, thoroughly recommend them if you live near by.