FF182 alternator replacement... Talk to me

[sidey]

So after being off the road for a year she's just sailed through her MOT despite a faulty alternator (faulternator?!).

A brand new battery died after a couple of days sitting so after fully charging overnight a test with a multimeter showed something like 13.4V before starting then 12.6V (and dropping steadily) when running.

Is changing the alternator the kind of job I could do myself? I think I'm reasonably useful with a spanner; happily done brakes, plugs, oil change etc. There doesn't seem to be a guide on here but a few threads with some useful info, and i have the Renault workshop manual pdf. However i really don't want to **** anything up here as i won't have the specific tensioner release tool, and being FF it's more awkward with the aircon... am I maybe better giving to a garage? i guess if so i don't need to go Renault/specialist?

Also, can i get a reconditioned unit? Is it worth it over a new one, or just go ebay for £50?

Many questions, thanks for any help

 

[Fred@BTM]

Recon (exchange) from me is £120 with 12months warranty

Bumper off
slam pannel off
support engine (jack)
upper engine mount off
aux belt off (replace tensioner/idler/belt if required, good idea to)
disconnect battery earth
undo 13mm nut on alternator (can be a t**t)
unplug single wire
undo 16mm bolt
undo upper 13mm bolt
wiggle out

reverse

getting the aux belt off and on is an utter t**t unless you have the special tool, some people gangster it with a jubilee clip

2hour job for a pro

 

[sidey]

Chers Fred, perfect. Didn't realise about the engine mount too.

So a 2hr job... this is likely to be a whole morning of cursing and bloody knuckles isn't it? laaarvely!

The belt kit was done xmas 2010 (28 months ago) but has done less than 7k miles, alright to stick with it?

 

[Fred@BTM]

2 hours for a pro, a first timer, probably 2 days (the aux belt tensioner is an utter t**t BE WARNED!)

aux kit should be ok, but check the tensioner and maybe replace the belt as a minimum!

 

[MikeClio172SPT]

(the aux belt tensioner is an utter tw*t BE WARNED!)

Indeed it is Even with the tensioner retracted its like the belt is 2 inches to short!!!!

Ive made a tool for doing mine..... but do Renault actually have a tool for this..... ive never seen one or a copy listed.

 

[Fred@BTM]

I got the proper tool from Renault years ago, it snapped within the first week! I use a snapon serpentine ractchet tool now