Alternator Clutch

[polomaan]

Almost every time I slow to a stop or take off from a stop there are a couple of seconds where I hear this shuttering sound (like gears try to engage but the clutch is not quite out yet). I took it to the stealership and they told me it was the "Alternator clutch." I checked and it does sounds like it is coming right from the alternator.

Is there a specific part that is the alternator clutch?

Should I try to fix/replace it?

Should I buy a different alternator? New or refurb?

Any tips/suggestions are welcome! Thanks!

 

[Powerslave]

There is no "clutch" on the Alternator, only on the A/C compressor. The person that told you alternator clutch (if you heard it right), is an idiot.

If it is the alternator, you will have to buy another unit; there are some REAL cheap ones on Ebay, as low as 35.00 in guaranteed working condition.

If it is the A/C compressor, well, best just to replace it, check EBAY, there are lots of compatible models.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

What Powerslave said!

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

All 05+ KJs have a one-way bearing on the alternator pulley. If it's fried, it's time for a new alternator, unfortunately.

ThunderbirdJunkie would recommend picking up a used 02-4 alternator, to see if everything bolts up the same, and if so, buy a new one (because you don't know the history on the used one you just bought, and you can resell on fleabay) and if not, bite the bullet and just buy a new alternator specific for your vehicle.

ITBJRC, aside from the one way bearing, there is no difference between the '02-4s and 05-6s. 07s hook up in a different manner, electrically.

 

[lil black liberty]

I would recommend if you want a new one and some power I'd get a MeanGreen Alternator.. They are pretty sweet and can be custom built directly for your KJ how many ever amps you need.. but they have a Direct fit one thats 200 amps for the KJ here's the link..http://www.mean-green.com/products/alternator.html

 

[kb0nly]

What purpose does that one way bearing on the newer alternators serve? Never even heard about them having something like that before.

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

Supposedly it's supposed to let the alternator "Wind down" at its own pace rather than being at the mercy of the engine, and it helps continue charging when there is a sudden decrease in engine speed (IE, getting off the interestate and letting off the gas, where the engine almost immediately goes from 2500-3000 to 800 rpm)

No, the clutch/coupler/whatever you wanna call it by itself is not replaceable. Been like that on the majority of 2003+ Chrysler vehicles (started with the 2003 Hemi Ram, the 4.7s and 3.7s in the Rams didn't get it until 2006...all Pacificas and 05+ Caravan/Town&Countrys have it, all the LX platform cars, etc)

 

[polomaan]

Bought a used one on ebay. It supposedly came out of a lib with 21k miles on it. Came with a lifetime warranty and free shipping for a whopping $40. Figured I couldn't go wrong.

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

Parts like that bearing die more from age and sitting than they do from miles...

Good luck!

 

[kb0nly]

Ahh ok i see, it lets the alternator free-wheel.. Didn't know they did that on some vehicles, man stuff changes.

Thanks for the explanation!

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

np

 

[damo4runner]

Ummmm sorry if I am wrong but the Altenator decoupler pulley is replaceable if it is shagged on the CRD altenators the LOST CRD Forum has a thread on how to do it and even states the part number. Should cost about 60-80 US dollars using an air wrench is the easiest way to remove the pulley moparpartsonline has the pulley. I know cause I am about to order one for mine (03 model) if your interested IAT-USA make the pulleys.

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

It doesn't hurt to look. Might as well check to see if the PN with the CRD bearing and the 05+ gasser bearing is the same. It could save the guy some bucks.

All ThunderbirdJunkie knows is it is not offered in the aftermarket as a solution, and the dealer did not seem to know wtf he was talking about when he asked.

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

Wow. Double post.

Ooops

 

[damo4runner]

Part number is 53013554 AE that is the latest part number for the Altenator decoupler pulley off the CRD same part though the entire 2.8 range

 

[polomaan]

Thanks for all of the replys! I'm going to attempt to replace the alternator tonight (see previous thread to see what I ended up going with).

Maybe I'll find an alternator replacement thread...or start one

 

[jnaut]

There is no "clutch" on the Alternator, only on the A/C compressor. The person that told you alternator clutch (if you heard it right), is an idiot.

If it is the alternator, you will have to buy another unit; there are some REAL cheap ones on Ebay, as low as 35.00 in guaranteed working condition.

If it is the A/C compressor, well, best just to replace it, check EBAY, there are lots of compatible models.

Hmm I posted that and then deleted it because I thought that maybe the CRD had something that I didn't know about...

 

[valvestem]

Here's a link explaining why an alternator clutch-decoupler is used and how to replace one on a non-Jeep, and what they look like.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=22520&hl=pulley

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

There is no "clutch" on the Alternator, only on the A/C compressor. The person that told you alternator clutch (if you heard it right), is an idiot.

If it is the alternator, you will have to buy another unit; there are some REAL cheap ones on Ebay, as low as 35.00 in guaranteed working condition.

If it is the A/C compressor, well, best just to replace it, check EBAY, there are lots of compatible models.

LOL you have a clutch on your alternator, unless yours is different from the 3 or 4 million other 05+ Libertys and other Chrysler products running around
(kneel)

 

[Powerslave]

I do NOT have a clutch on the Alternator, I have one on the A/C compressor. The alternator, a regular pulley, there is no decoupler on it. You can see my engine bay right here:

Does that look like a Decoupler to you?