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Trying to change my alternator tensioner and can't work out how
Alternator is out and I got a new tensioner/belt/altenator to go on but can't see how as its so tight in the bay and I don't have a manual!

Any help is greatly appreciated

The tensioner pulley is held in place by a single bolt. Put a spanner / socket on the bolt and turn clockwise to release the tension on the belt, you'll need to turn it through nearly 180 degrees.

When the belt is removed you can release the tension from the pulley and then simply loosen the same bolt to remove the pulley.

If it's the whole tensioner assembly you have then I can't offer much more as it isn't a job I have done yet (no manual either)

thanks for the reply but I need to replace the complete tensioner

It's done the same way. You remove the belt then the assembly including pulley comes off

The tensioner locks into the block when it remounts - there's a lug on the back. Once removed you'll see it

I would strongly recommend getting a Haynes manual as it's covered quite thoroughly in there

ok this is doing me in now! tell me do I need to remove the bracket that holds the alternator/tensioner/etc as I can't see a way of getting to the bolt? Also looks like the air con compressor (I think) also needs to come off as attatched to the same bracket? really getting fed up with this now.............
Oh and no manual yet!

No it comes off without removing any of that

I'll see if I can find the page and link it

http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/ ... vane_pump/


Take a look in this section

had a look alex and still no help.I know the bolt hole is near the oil filter but there is physically no way to get a socket there without remove other parts first.

I think the alternator has to be dropped down on one bolt and a deep socket used from memory

The tensioner bolts on from the right side of the bracket via 1 bolt which apparently is 13mm and is set in a recess on the right side of the bracket by the oil filter.Alternator is off completely and no visable way of getting to said bolt.Think the bracket has to come off to get to it so with that in mind what else needs to come off before the bracket and can anything be left installed but not connected to the bracket? if you catch my drift

I had a quick look at the engine part of the link given earlier. I think you are right, the alternator bracket has to be removed, there are 4 bolts I think holding it in place. You can remove the aircon pump etc from the bracket without disconnecting them. I know because i did that when i recently did an engine out / in job

gents, anyone who has done this wanna give me some tips and what tools i need - i've got my car stuck away from my tools so will have to borrow some hence need a list really.

For reference, Alex was right at the start, you don't have to take off the alt or a/c pump (mine cracked when I slacked the bolts, so best to leave it alone ).

You can get on the 13mm bolt that secures the tensioner with a long extension bar - putting it back together is the s**t bit!