Were the replacement brackets new or used? What condition is the
mounting face in? Are the studs and nuts the proper hardware grade? Is
the alternator good? (bad bearings, out of balance rotor, or worn case)?
Is the alternator swivel bolt tightened after belt adjustment? These are
all causes of this bracket to break.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Larry Chase
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 7:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: The case of the cracking Alternator Bracket

Volks,

Was wondering if others have had a similar experience.

In the past 2.5 years (65k+ miles) I have cracked 5 "lower L-Shaped"
alternator

brackets.

Always crack at the weld.

One or two I can understand ... I know they are a weak link .. but five?

I'm wondering if there isn't some sort of abnormal vibration issue.

BTW ..... 2 different engine in this same time frame.

larry chase

roadhaus.com