Would anyone be able to shed some light on how the alternator is attached to the bracket on these vehicles? I am in the process of replacing my timing belt, and could not get the alternator to move to release the alternator belt. I loosened all of the bolts that attached it, and it still would not move.

I finally pulled the bracket with the alternator still attached so I could see what was going on. The rear mount on the alternator has a steel insert in it which is holding a pin that is still in the bracket. There is a photo of this at the following link.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeq0cly/

Is there supposed to be a bolt on the back side also, and the pin is really a sheared bolt courtesy of the previous owner? Just want to check before I start drilling things out....

there is just one long bolt going the full length (front to back)

undo the nut on one side, punch the bolt out, and its off. (other than the adjustery stuff on the bottom)

unless they changed something on the 89 model year?

(my car is 88)

I think it's a bolt through from each end into threads in the part fixed to the alternator. Numbers "8" here:

<img src="http://www.vagcat.com/epc/etka/B088/152000.png">

I think in "norman" circumstance, you loosen both bolts, along with #5 in order to operate the adjuster.

After I got it cleaned up and in the light, I could see the end of the other bolt when I looked through from the opposite side. Now I get the privilege of drilling my broken E-Z out.....it has not been a fun weekend..