The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car available in a two- or four-door model. The alternator is what charges the battery as the engine runs. The placement of the alternator is different on diesel and gas engine models, but the replacement process is the same. The alternator will be on the front right or left side of the engine in clear view. The replacement alternator will cost around $100 as of 2010; you can buy it at any auto store.
Remove the nut securing the negative cable to the battery using a box wrench. Repeat for the positive cable.
Connect the pliers to the tension pulley and pull it back. Remove the drive belt from the alternator pulley. Remove the two bolts from the rear of the alternator using the ratchet set. Remove the screw securing the wire to the side of the alternator using the screwdriver.
Pull the alternator from the engine. Connect the pulley remover to the power drill the same way you would connect a drill bit. Place the remover onto the face of the alternator pulley. Set the drill to reverse and pull the trigger until the pulley comes off. Connect the alternator pulley to the new alternator the opposite way that you removed it.
Place the alternator onto the engine. Line up the mounting hole on the alternator with the holes on the engine block. Insert the bolts into the mounting holes and tighten them until they are snug.
Connect the wire to the side of the new alternator and secure it using the screw. Replace the drive belt the opposite way you removed it. Reconnect the battery cables the opposite way you removed them.
