Help... changed my alternator in my polo and have a bit left over

_Jimlad_ · 6 Apr 2009 at 17:30

OK my alternator went in my P reg banger of a polo, i don't know much about cars but purchased a new one and removed the old one, as i was removing the old one this spring came out, but not sure where or what it's for the car works and the battery is charging but clearly this is a part of the car and should go back. Any ideas?

iaind · 6 Apr 2009 at 17:33

Flux capacitor?

Sagalout · 6 Apr 2009 at 17:35

Do you absolutely massive hands? If so it could be one of the main suspension springs.

_Jimlad_ · 6 Apr 2009 at 17:41

i do have big hands so it's about 3 or 4 inches long... is it important! i think i will need to buy a manual

iaind said:
Flux capacitor?

what might that be...?

it had to be attached to the alternator or very close to it

viper_2003 · 6 Apr 2009 at 17:47

Could be something to do with the bonnet latch

_Jimlad_ · 6 Apr 2009 at 17:51

viper_2003 said:
Could be something to do with the bonnet latch

that would make me worry less

_Jimlad_ · 6 Apr 2009 at 18:14

could it be the tensioner? The spring that pushes on thing that keeps the belt on the alternator tight.

Fido McNasty · 6 Apr 2009 at 18:19

_Jimlad_ said:
could it be the tensioner? The spring that pushes on thing that keeps the belt on the alternator tight.

+1 Its a hefty spring but thats about all I can think of too.

_Jimlad_ · 6 Apr 2009 at 18:22

Fido McNasty said:
+1 Its a hefty spring but thats about all I can think of too.

still can't see how it goes back in! reckon the car will be safe to take to work and then junk yard so i can have a look at another polo?

Fido McNasty · 6 Apr 2009 at 20:53

Are all the belts tensioned ?
Is the bonnet locked down good ?

TBH I couldn't tell you if its safe or not.

_Jimlad_ · 6 Apr 2009 at 20:59

other people seem to be telling me its to do with the tensioner however if it's tight and the belt is not screaming like a little girl then it;s safe

laiman · 7 Apr 2009 at 01:21

I've had a bit of a google and it seems it's the alternator tension spring, sits between the alternator and another part and sets the correct tension before the bolts which hold the alternator in are tightened?

djbenjo · 7 Apr 2009 at 01:28

Tensioner spring

_Jimlad_ · 7 Apr 2009 at 09:26

laiman said:
I've had a bit of a google and it seems it's the alternator tension spring, sits between the alternator and another part and sets the correct tension before the bolts which hold the alternator in are tightened?

sweet, cheers mate so trust it will be ok until i get it to my mates tomorrow

GinG · 8 Apr 2009 at 16:35

iaind said:
Flux capacitor?

Yep I think it could deffo be this, have you noticed any loss in thrust or power?

_Jimlad_ · 8 Apr 2009 at 16:37

GinG said:
Yep I think it could deffo be this, have you noticed any loss in thrust or power?

you serious ? where the hell does that go? it surely has to be off the alternator or near by

GinG · 8 Apr 2009 at 16:42

Flux capacitor

AtlanticP · 8 Apr 2009 at 16:45

its goes here:

As above, its a belt tensioner spring.

Rich1988 · 8 Apr 2009 at 16:49

just stick it in your man drawer you dont need it!

Thomas. PLease. · 8 Apr 2009 at 17:45

Yeh it will be a tensioner spring, you should buy a haynes manual, then you could avoid situations like this.

Tom.