I've had similiar probs on mysterious unrelated components breakin on
some vw's
 1) on a 1.6d rabbit would break numerous crank pulleys right off the
timingbelt hub
  ) prognosis : loose mains and too much crankshaft end play vibrating
and tugging on the poor pulley.
 2) on my 1.6 aircooled bug would break lotsa alt-straps
  ) prognosis : loose fan glandnut causing fan to vibrate& shimmy (
didn't make much noise tho musta been baja headers blockin the noise?)
 summary was all were initially blamed on belt tension but found probs
in other more critical areas . I'm not sure on your van but check more
than just the alternator

From:    Tzung-Horng Yang <>
Subject: '90 Vanagon alternator bracket problem

I
Daniel Stevens
Business Systems Specialist