How do you install an Alternator for 1999 Volkswagen passat v6?

Answer 1

Briefly, because it's a long job... Jack up the car and put it on axle stands, this will make the rest of the process easier. Disconnect the battery. Remove the bumper cover and bumper. That's a bit like the recipe that starts "first catch a bear". It involves unscrewing the wheel arch liners inside the wheel arches. Disconnecting the hood latch, removing the plastic piece across the top of the grill, removing the grill and removing the bumper cover. Remove the bumper and bumper shocks. Install the service pins (like 4" sleeved bolts") and move the radiator to the service position. Remove the serpentine belt, note which way it rotates. They are cheap to replace, and it's good insurance, but if you don't then you need to mark the direction of rotation. If it is put back reversed it won't last long, new ones don't care which way they go. Unbolt the old and bolt in the new. Reassemble in revers. While you have the front end off it may well be worth your extra time to replace the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, idlers, thermostat and crank and cam seals. About $350 in parts at this time. The snub mount at the front is not part of the timing belt kit, but you might as well replace it while you are there. Again, it's relatively cheap compared to the pain of an 8-14 hour task. Have a look at this writeup. http://phatcat_ed.tripod.com/V6.htm You can see the alternator to the left of the engine in the later shots. The bolt comes out forward, so you can't remove it with the car in one piece. Check that info though, if the bolt comes out the back on yours then you may be able to do this without all the pain.