My alternator just got stuck on its bearings this morning - and broke the belt in the process

Now, I have the replacement belt - but what should I do with the alternator? What kind of bearings(dimensions? serial no.) should I use? (Side note: there is a ball/roller bearing shop nearby)

~Thank you,

Nautilus

__________________
1990 260E Sportline (that's 300E 2.6 for our American friends) -> sold
2001 E320 4Matic Elegance -> my Dad's daily drive
2005 Seat Leon FR 1.8T

Nautilus,

If you have a nearby alternator repair shop, I would take it there and have them rebuild and test the unit. They will be able to remove and press in new bearings, as well as check the electrical performance of the alternator before you put it back in the car. Typically a mostly mechanical rebuild as you are describing is less than $75. Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

Maybe if you have a Ford or Chevy.

__________________
Norm in NJ
Next oil change at 230,000miles

Assuming they have them - the smaller bearing was 15x40mm, and this was in storage, the larger one was 15x52mm, and this size is no longer manufactured I had to buy an 18x52mm bearing and bring it to a machinist to fit a custom made steel insert

Thanks anyway

~Nautilus

__________________
1990 260E Sportline (that's 300E 2.6 for our American friends) -> sold
2001 E320 4Matic Elegance -> my Dad's daily drive
2005 Seat Leon FR 1.8T

Just made the repairs - replaced bearings, checked the alternator, fitted back on the car, replaced guide pulley, fitted the belt and tensioned, started the engine... and the sad reality: all "idiot lights" on dashboard remained on, while engine was running

Now, to give an accurate description of the facts:

- First, the alternator got stuck on its bearings and ripped off the belt.

- Drove the car, about 10km towards home, with no belt (and some muscle action at turning the wheels with no power steering ) All gauges on dash worked normally, all idiot lights remained off.

- Replaced the bearings, brushed the alternator, replaced guide pulley, pulled out radiator, fitted new belt, tensioned it according to manual, put back radiator, connected hoses, fitted back alternator.

- Started the engine - all gauges worked as normal, yet all idiot lights remained on(just a bit dimmed when engine was on). When I disconnected the alternator, "idiot lights" went off, gauges continued to work normally.

Now, what can cause the problem?

Faulty/badly repaired alternator? (should check tomorrow with a multimeter)

OVP relay cooked up!? (but why did the dashboard work normally during the "emergency drive"?)

Please help!!!

~Nautilus

__________________
1990 260E Sportline (that's 300E 2.6 for our American friends) -> sold
2001 E320 4Matic Elegance -> my Dad's daily drive
2005 Seat Leon FR 1.8T

Conclusion of a lengthy and hair-rising job:

1. The old alternator, upon seizing, had also broke some of the coil windings inside, and got shorted out once fitted;

2. Had to buy a new alternator, for, guess how much, $300!! plus the labor

3. Right now I enjoy a shot of Irish cream liqueur, and swear in all languages I know

~Good luck to everyone,

Nautilus

__________________
1990 260E Sportline (that's 300E 2.6 for our American friends) -> sold
2001 E320 4Matic Elegance -> my Dad's daily drive
2005 Seat Leon FR 1.8T

$300 ...poola man!

I'm thinking about....

Alternator Upgrade

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz