VandyS4

Anyone know the approximate number of labor hours to replace an alternator?

reefer_bob

Probably about the same as changing a Timing belt...

Nick Gustas

Might be able to do it without full removal of the front clip, but not a time savings over just doing the work.

Pull bumper
drain radiator
set ac condensor to the side
unhook all wiring to front carrier
remove carrier
remove pass side lower intercooler hose
remove belt
remove two bolts holding alternator in and wiring.
swap alternator.
reverse.

~30 minutes for the drain and pull, ~15 for the alternator swap, ~45 for the reconnect, refill and bumper/headlight align? Didn't take me much time at all on ramps. Though I've done or helped with the front end pull more than a few times. YTMV

golfrsi

service position (unbolt the crossmember and let it hang down, lock the serpintine belt and unbolt the alternator. that should take you a good 2 hours at most. remove the alternator and swap, from there you reassemble, maybe another 2 to do all that. I did do mine with a lift and it helped out greatly, maybe add an extra hour if you don't have access to one.