turbo510

Obviously the alternator is not charging at all. If the bearings and diodes are OK, probably all you need is a new brush/regulator. But make sure the wiring to the alternator is connected securely first.

Smurfturd

That's what I thought but I put a multimeter on it and i'm getting 13+ volts, but only at RPM above 2k. My thought was the alternator is going but not quite gone. I'll double check all the connections in the morning. Any idea where I can come by brushes and such?

turbo510

I often get parts at autohausaz.com, however they don't list a voltage regulator for the 2000 A4 1.8T. They do have the regulator for a 2000 Passat 1.8T, for either $52 or $36 depending on which you have, assuming the A4 has the same alternator.

Smurfturd

Finally got time to pull the alternator this morning. The brushes are definitely worn and one of them is a good quarter inch shorter than the other. I'll be ordering a new regulator today. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the tip on autohausaz.com, I never would have found that.

twentysevenlitres

Noisy brushes?I would suggest a noisy alternator is more likely bearings.
Yes, removal of the alternator requires the service position due to the long top bolt. Disconnect the battery too, as the back of the alternator has a hot stud under the rubber cap.


A healthy alternator charges at 13.7 to 14.5 volts. I would suggest yours ish't charging at all.
Do you have a battery light or icon on the dash/cluster?

Smurfturd

A healthy alternator charges at 13.7 to 14.5 volts. I would suggest yours ish't charging at all.
Do you have a battery light or icon on the dash/cluster?[/QUOTE]

Yep. When the lights and/or A/C is on the battery light comes on. I decided to replace the entire alternator. When I pulled the old one the rear bearing under the regulator boot was seized and the regulator boot was cracked.

Smurfturd

I got the car back together a few days ago after changing the timing belt and pretty much every tensioner and bearing on the front of the car. So far the problem seems to have been the alternator. I haven't driven the car very far but I am charging at around 14V at idle. Thanks for every ones input.