Alternator Issues

Hi Guys,

I was recently on my 50+ mile a day commute in my Golf 1.1 when I could hear a rattle, squeek and electrical buzzing coming from the Alternator. By the return trip from work the belt was really squeeking and the Alternator rattling and buzzing like mad at around the 50 mph mark (would tell you the RPM but I have a dirty great clock where the tachometer should be!). On inspection the belt was at a funny angle due to a spacer between the alternator and the alternator pulley.

Yesterday I changed the Alternator to one from a spare engine I have, which looked to have been refurbished fairly recently. I used the previous belt as it had been replaced about 1000 miles ago and was in fine condition. This alternator didn't have a spacer between the pulley and the alternator, so the belt lined up much better.

This morning, having set out on the commute, once the engine is warm and at the 50-60mph cruising speed of a 4 speed on the motorway, it is making the buzzing noise again. Almost like a pulsating buzzing noise.

Could it be the belt causing problems? or faulty wiring? or maybe just a brand new Alternator is needed?

Any advice would be greatly received!

Cheers, Miles