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View Full Version : 1995 VW Jetta -Change alternator


drew19
Dec 20, 2007, 05:49 PM
Attention Mechanics. I NEED HELP CHANGING A ALTERNATOR ON A 1995 JETTA. THE ALTERNATOR IS IS RIGHT UP FRONT. WHAT TOOLS DO I NEED AND HOW DO I GO ABOUT CHANGING this and loosening the alternator belt. Is this an easy job or should I get help from an mechanic Please respond

TxGreaseMonkey
Dec 20, 2007, 06:50 PM
I've never worked on a VW, but it should be pretty straight-forward, especially since it's located right up front. Just be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning work. Then, you won't be able to do any damage to the rest of the electrical system. After that, sketch the layout of the serpentine belt and use (likely) a 3/8" breaker bar to remove the tension on the tensioner and take the belt off. If a specialized serpentine belt tool is required, many auto parts stores will lend them to you. I would next remove the electrical connector from the alternator, remove/replace the alternator, and button everything up.

Should be a job you can do yourself, if you have a few basic tools.

Possibly the write-up I did for Hondas will give you some insight, even though it doesn't involve a serpentine belt:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563-2.html#post224856

This is a logical time for you to replace the pulley on the tensioner and replace the serpentine belt, if you have 80,000 miles on them.