Petrol models, starter motors can burn out due to faulty ignition switch, but on 1.3CDTI Diesel models the Alternators are prone to premature pulley failure, often caused by a faulty tensioner.
Before fitting this replacement alternator please check the alternator that has been removed from the vehicle. If the pulley is seized, spinning freely in both directions without the alternator turning, has collapsed or is missing; the TVD (Torsional Vibration Damper or ‘bottom/crankshaft pulley’) needs to be inspected, otherwise the replacement alternator pulley will also fail prematurely.
As it can be seen the TVD has started to crack and break away from its mounting point
Since the TVD turns at engine speed, a worn TVD can cause vibration rather than acting as a vibration damper. The vibration of the belt between the pulleys will result in belt wear and add stress/strain on the tensioner and the other pulleys and ancillaries including the alternator pulley, thus causing premature failure of the alternator clutch pulley.
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