I need to replace the alternator on my VRS but checking eBay it seems there are many different variants are different prices as well

I see some have metal pulleys, some have plastic pulleys and some have plastic pulleys but no cap to cover the bolt on the end
On top of this i can see 90amp versions and 120amp versions that both appear to be listed as compatible with my car.

Mines is a 2006  with BLT engine.
Original alternator is damaged so can't see what pulley i had to begin with (pulley flew apart on motorway)

 

Just fit a new pulley then if yours flew to bits, they're replaceable, you don't need a whole alternator if yours works fine.

9 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

Just fit a new pulley then if yours flew to bits, they're replaceable, you don't need a whole alternator if yours works fine.

All the bolts and other parts along with the pulley went with it. Washers, spacers etc
A pulley on it's own online with no bolts and no washers etc is anywhere between £30-£50
A replacement alternator is between £90 - £130

My alternator has done almost 140,000 miles so would rather replace the whole unit.

@Hardcore - The alternator model/part number should be on the side of the main casing.

Or on the back end.

Still not a great deal of luck. Was looking to buy from Euro car parts but noticed the following.


It says 90amp alternators for BLT are for models without air conditioning
120amp alternators are for air conditioning

I didn't realise they made BLT's without air con......

The 90amp one has a 54mm pulley.
The 120amp one has a 56m pulley

I managed to find my pulley lodged in my engine bay. It's 55.7mm but when i checked my alternator it's labeled 90amp and i do have air con

Still not too clear on what alternator i need despite checking for numbers etc (only could see the 90amp sticker) and when checking for alternator tensioners seems there's a few choices there as well.

Any insight?

Buy a 120A one, it can't do any harm, only good. Item 30 on this page.

028903028E, I think, see here for some options (mainly useful for cross-reference part numbers rather than purchasing, I think, as that's a site based in Berlin, and impractical for exchange units of this sort of weight/size)

Edited 3 January, 20188 yr by Wino

I think i got it sorted now.
Seems at some point someone has replaced the alternator from the standard 120amp one and fitted a 90amp one instead but with the slightly larger 120mm pulley. Strange.

Anyway, managed to order 120amp alternator, tensioner and belt for about £140 all in so not the worst,