Noobie here, found a lot of good stuff on replacing the alternator, but here is my question. If I put in a remanufactured alternator, do I need to also replace the pulley? Audi Techs tell me definitely should replace it at the same time. It's another $175, so just wanting to find out. Also, I've been told this could take about 4 hours labor (not doing myself).

Background - Put in a new battery. Ran test, shows it has low charge. Funny electrical kinda smell coming from under hood, by right front light. Suspected it was alternator. However, not certain the small amount of smoke or electrical smell is the alternator. Could that be something else?

Oh yeah, trying to find an alternator for this thing is damn near impossible. I know a guy, that "knows a guy" and that's about the only way I am getting one. Just hope it goes through.

 

for sure do the belt while you are in there. a cheaper route would be to get the alternator re-built.

 

Thanks, I took it back to dealer and they are putting in a reman alternator and pulley. Only charging me 120 for labor and nothing for the parts. Getting it fixed next week, fingers crossed. Weird thing is the battery light doesn't always stay on but the lights indicator flashed today, battery light on/off (mostly at higher speeds) and the air bag light came on then off. Haven't seen that light though again since I shut off the car and turned it back on.