Golf 1.9 TDI 2002 - Alternator - Bosch vs Lucas vs Valeo vs Hella

[tomhass]

Hi

I had a problem with a Golf 1.9 TDI 2002 - the battery, ABS and EPS lights kept coming on and the interior lights went off a few times and it said "Workshop Alternator" on the dashboard.

A VAG speciliast (not main dealer) has had a look and unfortunately it has been diagnosed as needing a new alternator - was hoping just a wiring issue :-(

I have had widely varying quotes and information - some people quote for Bosch/Lucas only as original VAG. However, I have been quoted for a Hella alternator with the garage saying it is top class - exactly the same as Bosch etc...and that VAG can change suppliers even part way through a production run (i.e. first 100 cars = Bosch, 2nd 100 cars = Hella).

Quotes varied from £170 to £260 ex. VAT but inc. fitting.

Not sure of the above and looking for a 2nd opinion....its done 150k miles and has had the cambelt done recently...I am hoping to get another 100k miles out of it without more major expense other than services.


Thanks

tomhass

[tomhass]

Hi All

Anyone got any opinion on the Alternator ? - I sure could do with some advice and need to fix it soon :-)

Thanks

tomhass

[vwcabriolet1971]

Bosch & Valeo were original equipment manufacturers / suppliers (OE.M.) to VW so their quality is 1st rate.
It might be prudent to have the voltage regulator ( part of Alternator) checked out, before replacing the complete alternator, as it may be a simple case of brush wear or the actual voltage chip that needs replacing.

[Crasher]

If you want the best, get a VW exchange unit from the dealer, it has a 2 year parts and labour warranty.

[SprinterLex]

Good day,

I was wondering how Hella alternators hold up. Did you end up buying it? Is it still going strong? Do you have a very rough guess on how many kms you put on the alternator?

Thanks for your time
cheers
Lex

BTW. There still doesn't seem to be much talk of Hella Alternators on the internet if they're good or bad. It doesn't help that the name is not the greatest. People like to use the word "Hella", for things like "it was a hella of a good night" and such. Also Hella lights seem to be pretty popular conversation on the web. This leads to a lot of bad search results.

[Crasher]

In the UK Hella remanufactured alternators are not readily available and I don’t know if they make them new. The only two common brands of rotating electrics we see are Bosch and Valeo.