Alternator Noise: G3 with AFN Engine Troubleshooting

Hello everyone,
I'm having a problem with my alternator, or I suspect the problem is coming from it.
There is already another thread on this topic by Manuel Thomas /viewtopic.php?t=11922&highlight=lichtmaschine+defekt.

My symptoms are exactly the same. When the engine is cold, there's a crackling sound coming from the area around the alternator, and when the alternator is under load, the crackling gets louder. When the engine is warm, the crackling diminishes. I've already installed a new tensioner and a new idler pulley, but the crackling persists.

Unfortunately, Manuel Thomas replaced the entire alternator, including the freewheel, so I can't narrow down the problem any further. In my opinion, the freewheel is fine. It doesn't jam and continues to rotate as soon as I hold the alternator shaft in place after pushing it. The power generation is also excellent. At idle, without a load, the alternator produces 14.4V, and under load, it produces 14.2V.
Can an alternator be rebuilt, or do I need to buy a new one? Are there any other ways to test the freewheel mechanism?

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Greetings.
Reuselkopp.

Hello everyone,

I'm already looking for a different alternator. Would an alternator from a Passat fit my car? The part number for the Passat alternator is 028903029 B.

The original Lima part has the part number 028903026 G.

Greetings.
Reuselkopp.

Hello Reuselkopp,

If needed: I have a 120A alternator from a Golf 3 lying around. I've already sold my G3, so I'm clearing out my spare parts inventory... If you're interested, please send me a private message.

Unfortunately, I can't provide any information about the cause of the noises you're hearing, or whether the alternator (LiMa) from a Passat and a G3 are compatible. I can only speculate that, since the Passat had a longitudinally mounted engine, there are differences in the engine itself. I can't say whether this affects the alternator or its mounting bracket. You could try checking the Bosch e-catalog (--> google) to see if the alternators from both vehicles have been replaced with the same part number. If they have, there's a good chance they will fit.

Regards,
Sure, here's the translation:

"Guste" is a German word that means "gust" or "gust of wind." It can also be used to describe a sudden burst of something, such as laughter or anger.

A reliable way to determine if the freewheel is the cause would be to disable it by welding it shut... but this is not necessarily recommended for replication.
The Passat LiMa (alternator) would be a suitable option if you were to replace the connector and pulley.

@guste100,

You have a private message.

Greetings.
Reuselkopp.