Hi all.

I am after some advice.Last night my Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI Estate (54 plate) decided to breakdown.I've being told it's the alternator as when I explained the faults that was the outcome.Battery light came on,all lights went dim then I lost my power steering and it sounded rough,like something was lose at the bottom of the auxiliary belt.When the recovery truck came today,the mechanic started to say it's all part of the clutch kit?? Is there a clutch kit surrounding the alternator?? My local garage who I know very well never at all mentioned this and he has done all work on the Octavia.

Can anyone shed some light on this area for me please??  I am very confused!

Thank you

Yes some alternators do have a clutch pulley on them The symptoms of battery light and loss of power steering are common with alternator failures.

On the diesel engines the pulley has a clutch in it which allows the alternator to maintain speed when the revs drop (such as changing gear). Basically it freewheels in one direction, with the engine off you should be able to rotate the alternator one way but not the other - you do this by pushing the vanes round inside the alternator with a screwdriver (carefully). If the alternator won't turn either way the pulley is knackered.

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All sorted now,bottom pulley was knackered.So a new kit fitted,£144. Thanks guy's for the feedback though.

Edited 18 January, 201511 yr by andygreen01