Alternator Bosch or VALEO

Have a look at Rockauto.com

They have Bosch remans in different sizes.

If you go for a bigger output alt, add a fat cable between the output and the battery via the starter terminal, as the two wires that carry current to the battery via the starter terminal will then be undersized. The cable cost is minimal.

Id go with whatever fcpeuro recommends. Aka valeo, bosch (which are both oems)

Buy the Bosch it's a direct OEM REPLACEMENT alternator it's probably still going to need programmed via vcds to allow the computer to adapt to the voltage change of the new alternator

I just did a standard exchange on mine (Valeo 120A), paid 300€ deposit included, so it's definitely a good deal.

In your case I would say just buy a new replacement alt from a name brand like Delco Remy or Bosch, none of this parts store rebuilt junk, you'll just be doing the job over again soon.

Bosch, Valeo, or Denso would be my top choices. Don't get a Chinese one. Shit won't last at all.

A bearing went in our original alternator so I replaced it with a Valeo brand and it's pretty loud when it clicks on. It is loud enough that I'm wondering if I got a bad alternator --or is this normal??

It's the typical whirl or whurr noise --it's silent, and then you can hear the whirl or whurr noise when the alternator clicks on. It seems mechanically and electrically fine: It's doing what it should be doing electrically (charging, correct voltage, the battery is happy, the car runs better with this new alternator, etc.). It's just loud.

Car needed an alternator - Golf 1.8 TSI Was told there was nothing available OEM (Bosch) in Canada, and couldn't tell me when one would be available. Was quoted CAD$1800!! + install labor. Found a used OEM one at the scrap yard for CAD$50....

The alternator was replaced, car died again two weeks later. The Valeo OEM was deemed defective. Back in the shop for a warranty change, still getting voltage fluctuations.

I was driving the Mini when the engine began to struggle at idle and then shut off, refusing to restart. The starter engaged but hit a wall of resistance. After getting it home, I found the alternator was completely stuck. The one I replaced was a Bosch. Its bearing had failed catastrophically, and the pulley would not move.