How to replace alternator

[jesus]

Hi there, are there any guides or can anyone provide basic information on how to change my alternator?

Is it the same as changing it on any other car or being a Renaultsport, it's an absolute ballache?

Is there anything I need to worry about? Heard people mention tensioning etc.

 

[Sean6545]

It's been a while since Iv done one on a sport but here goes

Remove offside wheel and arch liner
Remove front bumper
Remove offside headlight
Support engine
Remove engine mount
Use a 3/8 bit to turn the spring loaded tensioner to release belt tension
Undo 13mm pinch bolt on top of the alternator
Undo 16mm bolt from the bracket to engine
Remove upper tensioner spring bolt
Remove 16mm bolt from cambelt cover holding the big bracket on
Remove 13mm bolt from bracket
Remove 2 electrical connections from alternator
Remove main 16mm long bolt from bottom of alternator.
Remove alternator
.

 

[Owen92]

Disconnect the battery first.

 

[jesus]

It's been a while since Iv done one on a sport but here goes

Remove offside wheel and arch liner
Remove front bumper
Remove offside headlight
Support engine
Remove engine mount
Use a 3/8 bit to turn the spring loaded tensioner to release belt tension
Undo 13mm pinch bolt on top of the alternator
Undo 16mm bolt from the bracket to engine
Remove upper tensioner spring bolt
Remove 16mm bolt from cambelt cover holding the big bracket on
Remove 13mm bolt from bracket
Remove 2 electrical connections from alternator
Remove main 16mm long bolt from bottom of alternator.
Remove alternator
.

Brilliant, cheers!

I'll be using the existing belt as I've only just had it replaced. Are there any problems with doing that? How (much) do I tension it back up without using the proper tools?

 

[mark123]

Auto tensions.

The word on the street is you should use a new belt, they're only a few quid for just the belt.

 

[jesus]

Where abouts can I get a new genuine belt from?

 

[mark123]

I would just get an OEM quality belt from a motor factors. Ktec have a belt for 17 quid. I'd try ECP or Unipart.

 

[jenic]

Aux belt is a right pain to route ime.

We changed mine the first time ourselves, the next 3 times we let the garage do it lol.

 

[MarcB]

Mine needs done but i would rather wait and get it all done at the same time as stuff trying to change one of them.

Good Luck

 

[jesus]

Does anyone know if this one would suffice?

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/R...5052d1bdeff5dc377e880c7ea0857c68e69c4c&000108

 

[Scutch]

That'll be around 8 or 9 hours I'd have thought?

 

[jesus]

What will?

 

[Scutch]

Replacing the alternator?

 

[jesus]

I fecking hope not! Why so long?

 

[Scutch]

I fecking hope not! Why so long?

It's French.

I figured Renault book time for changing the cambelt is 12 hours and you're in that area.

 

[Gray]

It should only take 3hrs~ as a first attempt, if you are handy with spanners to change the alternator!

 

[Scutch]

Get it done this afternoon mate and tell us how you got on

 

[jesus]

I need to know if that ContiTech belt is alright first!

 

[Gray]

If its the correct length it will be fine!

When did you have the Auxbelt kit last changed?

 

[jesus]

November by Fred!

 

[Gray]

You should be ok then, if it was much older I would have thought about replacing the aux belt kit.

 

[jesus]

You mean I should be okay reusing it? I can get it done tomorrow if so when the alternator arrives.

 

[Paul182]

id get a new belt , i think Gray means if it was older he would get the pully and the tensioner done as well

 

[Scutch]

I'd definitely go for a new belt for peace of mind. You won't need to replace the pulleys or tensioners.

 

[Gray]

Definitely fit a new belt, the rest is fine.

If it was much older I would have replaced the whole lot... belt, tensioner, idler.. The aux kit.

 

[Dan519]

I need to know if that ContiTech belt is alright first!

I usually use Contitech as a 2nd best to genuine now. They're usually spot on

 

[jesus]

Good to hear! Cheers for all the replies + advice lads, I'll crack on with it tomorrow (on my birthday :dapprove.

 

[Dan519]

FYI, I'd charge 2 hours labour to replace the alternator and full aux kit. wheel and headlight don't need touching, just bumper and slam panel off then raise the engine enough on a jack (carefully, sumps can crack so spread the load with a block of wood, and jack on thestrongerst part and not in the middle) to get to the aux tensioner

 

[jenic]

Was just going to post, I paid 2 hours labour for an alternator and aux belt change.

 

[Tibbo_GP]

I replaced mine at the weekend mate. PM if want any info, it's easy enough to do when got access to it

 

[jesus]

Replaced it now and it's still doing the same thing. We've tested all the earths and they are fine.

This leads me to believe it's either;

a dodgy replacement alternator
or
the thin wire that leads to it is corroded, so it's making the battery light come on as it thinks it's not getting charge so causing the alternator to not work. We stripped the wire back and it's still playing up though.

Has anyone any ideas, or other suggestions?

Cheers for all the help x

 

[Don]

Replaced it now and it's still doing the same thing. We've tested all the earths and they are fine.

This leads me to believe it's either;

a dodgy replacement alternator
or
the thin wire that leads to it is corroded, so it's making the battery light come on as it thinks it's not getting charge so causing the alternator to not work. We stripped the wire back and it's still playing up though.

Has anyone any ideas, or other suggestions?

Cheers for all the help x

Ah s**t...sorry to hear. Where did you get the alternator from? If its from Renparts it should have 3 months warranty (in case it is screwed) As silly as it might sound...what is the voltage of the battery? As if its been taking a beating, the voltage could be pretty low and it hasn't had enough time to charge itself up to around 12v? (Just a thought)

 

[jesus]

I've been assured it's a reconditioned unit and has covered 2k since being done, so it seems unlikely that it's at fault after hearing that. Running out of ideas now unless it's the wire being corroded that's tricking the battery into thinking it's not getting any charge, and hence the alternator not actually charging it.

 

[jesus]

Replacement alternator was shagged. Fitted a brand new one, voila.

 

[jenic]

Glad it's sorted mate

 

[Cookson]

Nice one fella.

Drove past yours at weekend after I had been to Marks

 

[Don]

Cracking...at least you got to the bottom of it...as I wont jump start your motor at CSS

 

[jesus]

Cracking...at least you got to the bottom of it...as I wont jump start your motor at CSS

Haha should be good for another few years yet!

After not driving it for over 2 weeks... I've fallen in love with it all over again. Was gonna get rid but I'm glad I didn't. Trophy <3

 

[Don]

Haha should be good for another few years yet!

After not driving it for over 2 weeks... I've fallen in love with it all over again. Was gonna get rid but I'm glad I didn't. Trophy <3

Love rekindling the RS romance when you've not been in her for a while.