I had a low speed front end accident in my 1999 Audi A-8. Needless to say, the body work was done and everything looks good. Problem is that now my radiator has a hole in it and my alternator is shot (making a terrible noise, diagnosed by the audi dealer).

Went the route of trying to get the insurance company to fix it, no luck. The body shop says they didn't do anything wrong either. The major problem is NOTHING was wrong when I drove the car into the shop, ie no noises or a leaking radiator. So I'm stuck replacing these parts myself. I was just wondering how difficult it is to replace an alternator. I already replaced the valve cover gaskets myself and have alittle mechanical ability. Oh, ya the dealship quoted about $1000.00 for an alternator job, WOW. I can buy an alternator for about $160.00 and do the job myself. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I haven't done one on a 99 A8, but it all depends on where the alternator is on the engine. If its on the top side of the motor, meaning you can see it when you open the hood then it should be straight forward and pretty easy. If its on the bottom, you will most likely need to pull the front end forward, remove the a/c compressor and a few belts etc. You get the idea, since the dealer quoted $1,000 its probably on the bottom.