Alternator is knackered, is it a big job to replace?

[182Trophy]

Hi looking for some advice.
The alternator is apparently knackered and i know nothing about these. What exactly is its purpose and is it a big job to replace?
any way linked to the aux belt?
Any help much appreciated!

 

[Dex90]

alternator recharges your battery so it doesn't go flat and generally just powers the electrical system while the engine is running. it's got a pulley which the aux belt goes around .

it's not really a big job to replace them as it's a couple of bolts , one on the bottom and one on the top. you first release tension from the aux belt, move the aux belt out of the way, unbolt alternator, remove, bolt in new alternator, put aux belt back on.

 

[barnesautos]

Don't forget to disconnect the battery terminal , and with regards to releasing the belt tensioner - seek the help of someone with a little knowledge as these Clios are a little bit awkward really when it comes to the belt.

 

[Diagro]

Its not too hard.

BUT when you do it you need to use a NEW Aux belt and better yet the full kit (around £60)
If the belt is reused it may snap, and if it snaps there is a 80% change the cambelt will eat it and then its a 100% chance its Bye Bye engine.

Takes about 2 hours at the most.

 

[LeeRS]

I always thought alternator was a big job on these...

 

[Gus]

This is a good thread which has a lot of info for DIYing it, I used it years ago for doing mine and then added a few bits I found along the way. Not hard and very rewarding once you finish. Deffo do it yourself, I used a second hand alternator.
http://www.cliosport.net/threads/fitting-a-new-alternator-182.537528/#post-7155935

 

[182Trophy]

Its not too hard.

BUT when you do it you need to use a NEW Aux belt and better yet the full kit (around £60)
If the belt is reused it may snap, and if it snaps there is a 80% change the cambelt will eat it and then its a 100% chance its Bye Bye engine.

Takes about 2 hours at the most.

Does the aux belt require timing as complex as the cambelt? Or does it just get tensioned?
So its £60 for the kit and £100-200 for the alternatr, and then labour cost. Ffs.lol.

 

[Gus]

Or £50 for a working replacement alternator , a jubilee clip and an hour or two replacing it. Sure, ideally replace the belt but its not really more likely to snap after replacing the alternator.
No timing or anything like that tensioner doesnt need adjusting just release the jubilee clip that is used for tensioning the tensioner.

 

[Diagro]

Well if it's been a while since it was last done it just makes sense to replace the kit.

but if money is tight you could just buy the belt for 20 quid and get a known working alternator from eBay or the like and get them fitted. I wouldn't reuse the belt.
Also the jubilee clip method does work, just be careful the spring doesn't bend outwards. If it does you need a new full aux kit.

 

[182Trophy]

Fred did the full cambelt service 18months ago so it is new in that respect.
Do the sports use the same alternators as the normal clios or do they have a different one?

 

[182Trophy]

Fred did the full cambelt service 18months ago so it is new in that respect.
Do the sports use the same alternators as the normal clios or do they have a different one?

 

[MicKPM]

They're specific to the RS so if you're going "used" you want a Phase 2 vehicle with A/C, be it a 172 or a 182. Marking is Valeo A13VI300

 

[182Trophy]

Will get a new one but thanks for the replies.