TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:29 pm

I start the bus and hear this loud squeal and smell rubber burning. My generator (alternator?) isn't moving and the belt is burning up. Is this just a no brainer replacement job or can these be lubricated? Advice appreciated.

Sun Nov 15, 2009 6:51 pm

is it tensioned right?

Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:28 pm

It seemed to be tight. I had some work done by a reputable shop and they put a new belt on only 6 months ago. I thought the bearings must have frozen. I had driven about 50 miles though and after parking for about an hour that's when it first happened. It broke loose and I drove home. It started okay a couple of times then frozen again.

Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:44 pm

I'd guess: they overtightened the belt and consequently the bearing fried. Take it back to them. 6 months of life is a joke for a component, unless they rebuilt your existing unit. In that case the bearing may have been ready to go.

Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:28 pm

pull the belt off or loosen it and see if you can spin the alternator. If not get the bosch factory rebuilt one. I'd mention companies but don't want to act preferential. Most any of the sites people here buy from will have them in their online catalogs. Keep in mind shipping including sending the core back.

Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:01 pm

If you have a local automotive electric shop close by they can put new bearings in your alternator for you. If nothing else is wrong this should be a very economical repair to have made.

BTW with a Type 4 engine you can safely run your engine with the alternator belt removed, though your battery will slowly run down.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 5:01 am

Thanks for the great information. I had a convertible bug years ago and some rocks got jammed in by the generator pulley. If only this would be that simple.
I'll get under there today. Happy Holidays to all.