Releasing Alternator Belt Tension

[Guinness]

Right boys n girls I have a new alternator and need some info.

Not that much I get the principles of how to take the alternator out as I have done a few on lesser spec cars with out a serp belt.

Anyway how do I release the Serpintine Belt Tension thus to get it off the alternator.

Also what is the recommended tension 1" play as usual.

I will make a guide out of this when I am done as to help anyone. It seems to be a common Vag fault on TDI engines around 70k+ miles and is easy to fix.

Im presuming the tensioner has a bolt that shifts a single pully and the bolt will be undone to release tension.

Help much appreciated

 

[Edward9th]

Belt tensioner

If it's like I think, it's 'auto-tensioned'. To slacken it, put a spanner on the obvious bit, and rotate clockwise, then lock in position with a rod through the holes, which should be lined up in the 'off' position. Can't give you sizes of spanner and rod, it's look and see time!

 

[Guinness]

iv worked on some VAG cars and they have been autotensioned by which you put a bolt into a threaded hole to release the belt then remove the bolt to retension the belt. This doesnt seem to be the case.

hmm I will try and have a look now.

 

[DEAN0]

The POLO haynes manual I have says that for models with aircon - turn the bolt in the middle of the tensioner pulley CLOCKWISE to relieve tension and lock it off with a pin through the holes in the side of the tensioner.

 

[techie]

16mm spanner, rotate clock wise, insert pin or dill bit into the hole and release.

 

[Slimy]

iv worked on some VAG cars and they have been autotensioned by which you put a bolt into a threaded hole to release the belt then remove the bolt to retension the belt. This doesnt seem to be the case.

hmm I will try and have a look now.

It is spring tension, but the tension is quite considerable. Probably even more so if it's not moved for a while. You should be able to see which way the tensioner rotates to slacken off the belt.

 

[Guinness]

I think I am understanding now, which seems straight forward. Will post a guide when Im done, will be monday as im on lates and its sleep time