new alternator

[falco4758]

i have a 99 2.8 quattro a4, the shop said it takes 3 hours to install and its a 300 doller part, is this to high on the time to install and i know its to high on the price , right? so they said the total job is about 500, getting overcharged?

[BaconBait]

Ouch. Did you go to a dealer or something?

You can get a used and tested 120 amp alternator off www.car-part.com for $100. You may want to try another shop and ask them if it's okay to source your own alternator.

[jaustin]

Part is overpriced and the time seems a little on the long side. I would call a couple other shops and see what they say almost sounds like dealer charges.

[Seerlah]

The part is not overpriced, as that is about how much they go for brand new (even more). Refurbished/remanufactured/rebuilt ones of course is cheaper (maybe $150 plus core charge till you send back your old one) and you can get a used one for even cheaper. But the labor should be 3 hours for a beginner such as myself. Maybe an hour and half job tops (if done by mechanic). You would also need to find out if the one currently in your car is a Bosch or Valeo as the fitment will be different upon install (you need to order correct part). You will have either a 90 or 120 amp alternator.

My suggestion is to order the Bentley Manual (you will be happy you got this book later on) and do the job yourself. You can save yourself maybe $300+.

[JK35]

First, how do you KNOW your alternator needs replaced?
Have you went to Advanced/Pep Boys and asked someone to test it?
I'd make sure your alternator really needs replaced before going any farther.

If it DOES require ROR, $500 is outright rape, Even $300 is too much...
And I say you don't need a Bentley manual. That's a waste of $70+ for elementary info which you can find yourself for free.

Get a new alternator (or used one from a reputable source) and change the damned thing out.

I'm relatively new to Audi's, and just did a full timing belt service on mine in less than 3 hours. This is by FAR the nicest and EASIEST car I have ever worked on, and once you begin to turn a couple wrenches (and that's about all you need -a MINIMAL amount of tools are needed to work on these) you'll see how right I am.

Tell you what, If you know for sure the alt. is the culprit, PM me a number and best time to call, and I'll walk you through it over the phone.
I just crushed a finger on a machine at work last week, and have lots of time on my hands (or what's left of 'em )

Best wishes

[zrowcool]

is the car drivable? if it is and you're willing to drive down to the bronx, pm me. just bring the part and some pizza/beer and the both of us will get it done.