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7 June 2023 Faulty alternator pulley: symptoms of malfunction and replacement
You may have heard of this component, but what is it exactly? Here we will go into more detail about what an alternator pulled is, what it does, and some of the most common causes of malfunction and how to diagnose them.
What is an alternator pulley?
An alternator pulley is a component of a car's engine that is connected to the alternator by a belt. It transfers rotational energy from the engine to the alternator, which then converts this energy into electrical energy that can be used to power the car's electrical system and recharge the battery. It also helps to regulate the output of the alternator. As the engine speed increases, the car alternator clutch pulley spins faster, producing more electrical power. Conversely, as the engine speed decreases, the pulley turns more slowly, resulting in a reduction in the alternator's output. In some cases, an alternator pulley may also have an overrunning clutch or decoupling pulley mechanism. This allows the alternator to continue spinning even if the engine stops suddenly, which can help prevent damage to the alternator or other components.
-66%
RIDEX Alternator Freewheel Clutch
Width: 41mm
Article number: 1390F0003
compared to
RRP
£ 38,10
£ 12,94
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-45%
RIDEX Alternator Freewheel Clutch
with lid
Article number: 1390F0024
compared to
RRP
£ 42,00
£ 23,05
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-52%
RIDEX Alternator Freewheel Clutch
Width: 33,5mm, with cap
Article number: 1390F0006
compared to
RRP
£ 48,20
£ 22,87
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-27%
RIDEX Alternator Freewheel Clutch
Article number: 1390F0007
compared to
RRP
£ 34,80
£ 25,09
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
INA Alternator Freewheel Clutch
Requires special tools for mounting
Article number: 535 0194 10
£ 23,94
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Common problems
The overrunning clutch (also called freewheel clutch) of the alternator is subjected to heavy loads and will wear over its service life. External influences and wear in the belt drive system can also cause the freewheel to wear out prematurely. When the alternator freewheel stops working properly, the multiple V-ribbed belts, the idler pulley, and the belt tensioner are subjected to excessive stress. As a result, the belt drive components of the auxiliary units will wear much more quickly. If you want to avoid expensive damage in the future, a time-consuming replacement of the belt drive system or Bosch alternator clutch pulley must be carried out.
Symptoms of malfunction
If you notice unusual noises coming from the engine compartment, make an appointment to have your car checked at your car specialist workshop. High-pitched whistling or squealing, as well as whirring or fluttering of belts or pulleys, can indicate a faulty overrunning clutch or a defect in the belt drive system.
Changing the alternator pulley – DIY?
Changing the alternator pulley yourself can be a straightforward task if you have some basic mechanical knowledge and the right tools. However, if you are unsure of your mechanical skills, it is always best to seek the help of a professional.
If you do decide to change the alternator pulley yourself, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and take all necessary safety precautions, such as disconnecting the battery before starting work. Also, make sure that you have the right tools and equipment for the job, including a pulley removal tool and a high quality torque wrench. If you run across any issues or are unsure about any step of the process, do not hesitate to seek the help of an expert mechanic.
Article number: 588022
£ 22,89
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
INA Alternator Freewheel Clutch
Width: 40,6mm, Requires special tools for mounting
Article number: 535 0121 10
£ 35,87
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-16%
FEBI BILSTEIN Alternator Freewheel Clutch
with coupling
Article number: 30816
compared to
RRP
£ 87,99
£ 73,39
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
INA Alternator Freewheel Clutch
Requires special tools for mounting
Article number: 535 0012 10
£ 22,86
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Alternator replacement cost
If you need to replace your alternator, you can find out more here about alternator replacement, the time it takes, and the price of a car alternator. Depending on the make and model of your car, it usually takes between two and four hours. A helper makes the replacement easier but is not absolutely necessary. You don’t have the space, time, or expertise to do it yourself, you can get it changed in the workshop. Of course, you will have to figure in the additional cost of labour and possibly higher prices for spare parts. Getting your alternator replaced professionally will cost you about £410–£700 on average, but can be even higher depending on your type of car. Therefore, make sure you shop around and get a price quote beforehand.
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