I recently purchased a 120 amp (refurbished) Bosch alternator at Advance Auto and kept the receipt. My original 90 amp alternator lasted 14 years before it stopped charging battery.
250,000 KM and still on the original alternator ( 1998 Audi A4 . Bosch 120 Amp Alternator ) . Had to replace a couple of bearings but that's it.
Alternators can be rebuilt. YMMV of course, but I rebuilt the Bosch alternator on my old Mk1 VW Rabbit several times (brush would wear down) with no issues.
I replaced it with a Duralast Gold. After replacing the issue still existed so I replaced the alternator with an OEM Bosch remanufactured unit.
My Lucas 18ACR (43 Amp) died shortly after I installed a big electric fan (I moved to Texas and felt it was a good idea), so decided to go with a higher output Bosch. I got tired of searching the parts shops (Advance Auto etc.) for a reconditioned Bosch that might or might not fit... In the end, I took my Lucas to an alternator shop and asked for a Bosch that would fit without modifications.
New Bosch installed Thanks for your help. It was in fact the alternator. Had a NEW Bosch installed by M&M Auto/Cycle in Jersey . Mikes the man when it comes to TDI service.
Order a 6 groove 120A alt though. It's an easy no brainer update. The car benefits under heavy loads and startup. Rainy days when the lights, wipers, a/c, heater, seat warmers, etc are all running will be worry free and your battery will charge back up with less drive time.
okay just did mine 14.7x after a cold start...can it be too much ? does that sound reasonble
Oh yeah and it went through 2 maybe 3 alternators in the 13 years we had it lol.
My mom had a 93 Lumina Euro sedan with the 3.8. The only real serious issue it had was a failed alternator which drained the battery and almost left me stranded one night because the headlights dimmed to the point of being unusable. Other than that, yes the alignment was poor and it had some bad brake wear and warping of the rotors.
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