(Another) Alternator question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 7, 2014 | 03:37 PM

jayr2k

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 112

Likes: 1

From: Welcome MD

(Another) Alternator question

Ok I know there is a million threads/post on this but I couldn't find the answer to this....

I have a 2000 Auto, I want to change the alternator to a chrome one from Tuff Stuff. I see that in 01 they changed the a4 to a clutch style alternator for a few reasons.

There is nothing wrong with my Oem one without the clutch but should I change to one with it since they offer it for no extra cost? Or stick with if its not broke don't fix it?

Jun 7, 2014 | 07:47 PM

Bill Curlee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 32,910

Likes: 2,402

From: Anthony TX

CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet

St. Jude Donor '08

If you have an A4 get the clutch unit.

BC

Jun 7, 2014 | 08:11 PM

jayr2k

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 112

Likes: 1

From: Welcome MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee

If you have an A4 get the clutch unit.

BC

Appreciate the help buddy

Jun 8, 2014 | 10:56 AM

Boss75

Racer

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 256

Likes: 3

From: West Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee

If you have an A4 get the clutch unit.

BC

I'm curious as to what effect the clutch'd alternator will have on the car?

Jun 8, 2014 | 05:02 PM

lionelhutz

Race Director

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 11,152

Likes: 890

From: South Western Ontario

The clutch just stops some accessory drive noise. It's not really a clutch. It's a 1-way sprag with a shock absorbing spring.

Jun 8, 2014 | 09:42 PM

jayr2k

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 112

Likes: 1

From: Welcome MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by lionelhutz

The clutch just stops some accessory drive noise. It's not really a clutch. It's a 1-way sprag with a shock absorbing spring.

So it sounds like it can't hurt, reason why I asked is because I have been price checking this alternator and every vendor (including Tuff stuff performance themselves ) had different answers. I generally come to the forum if I buy anything that's not stock.

Jun 8, 2014 | 10:09 PM

lionelhutz

Race Director

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 11,152

Likes: 890

From: South Western Ontario

No, I can't see it hurting. It's a little more complex so it adds another failure point to the car, but I never read people here with that isolator having issues on these cars.