'99 Opel Astra Estate Alternator

carbsy

Hi all,

Just a quick one.I have been experiencing power steering failure coupled with the red battery indicator illuminated on the dash on my '99 Opel Astra estate.The battery needs to be charged (I have a 12v battery charger in house) every night in order for the car to start each day.I've come to the conclusion that the alternator is the problem.What would be the amount I should expect to pay for such a job? I'm handing it in to garage tomorrow. Thanks in advance!

eringobragh

Check the belt first incase its snapped. Neighbors peugeot the belt was missing when I looked at it.

If your anyways handy at DIY an alternator job is a 30minutes job on most cars tops. 3 bolts held on mine. I took it out in minutes took it to almax for a rebuild (€110 I think) and Its 11 months in and no problems so far.

Check its defo you alternator with a Multimeter change it to 12V DC and check (when engine running) if its output is 13.4 - 13.6 Volts.

As for the price I got a list of quotes out of curiousity and done of the lowest being 280 and the highest being 450 :eek:

Just noticed your having powersteering issues as well check the powersteering belt as well..I presume the opels are pump belt driven.

carbsy

Thanks for the informative reply, eringobragh.The fan belt is still whizzing about and it's tight enough so I don't think it's that.I'll check it with my multimeter tomorrow before I take it to the garage then.Thanks!

eringobragh

carbsy wrote: »

Thanks for the informative reply, eringobragh.The fan belt is still whizzing about and it's tight enough so I don't think it's that.I'll check it with my multimeter tomorrow before I take it to the garage then.Thanks!

Tis a different belt for the alternator and powersteering. I'd imagine the same goes for your car.

Check the alternator and see if there's a belt on the pulley

FYI, It looks like this but should have a belt on the pulley:

carbsy

That looks exactly like it.The belt attached to that is moving and seems to be a very tight fit.

eringobragh

carbsy wrote: »

That looks exactly like it.The belt attached to that is moving and seems to be a very tight fit.

It probably needs a rebuild so. Not sure how much they cost in ireland but you can get a new one this site does them for around 75stg ex post www.onlineautomotive.co.uk

A rebuild i'd imagine would be €90 upwards, but seriously try and replace (after rebuild/new one acquired!) yourself its a piece of p1ss

carbsy

I know a place close to here that does alternator rewinds so might chance taking it off myself, might save me a few hundred! Thanks for the tip!

martinr5232

Why are you advising him about something you know nothing about.

Alternators on an astra are not just that simple they are stuck down the back of the engine held on with male torx bolts which not everyon is equipped to tackle.

Op loosing power steering is one symptom of a faulty alternator check with your multimeter you should be getting about 14.6 volts if not you need your alternator repaired.

Personally i just pull them off and get them recond about €100 for a complete recon.

carbsy

martinr5232 wrote: »

Alternators on an astra are not just that simple they are stuck down the back of the engine held on with male torx bolts which not everyon is equipped to tackle.

I have a full torx set, I'm a qualified electronic engineer, apparently lol just wanted some advice as I wouldn't be car crazy! Thanks....

firefly08

Just noticed your having powersteering issues as well check the powersteering belt as well..I presume the opels are pump belt driven.

Actually there is no separate power steering belt on that model. It's an electric pump, and if the alternator is dodgy, the power steering can be the first thing to go.

carbsy, this is a great Astra specific forum if you want to get into DIY maintenance or find out any Astra specific info.

carbsy

firefly08 wrote: »

Actually there is no separate power steering belt on that model. It's an electric pump, and if the alternator is dodgy, the power steering can be the first thing to go.

carbsy, this is a great Astra specific forum if you want to get into DIY maintenance or find out any Astra specific info.

Thanks firefly.