Yesterday I ran low on power steering fluid and the pump was grinding pretty badly, I topped of the reservoir and after about 15 miles of driving my battery light came on. I pulled over thinking maybe the pump had leaked down to the alternator but she was dry. I noticed I had a little leak down at the rack but that was it. Sure enough I checked the charing system and it was not charging at all(11.8vlts). She's a 2000 T6 with with 120K on her and I was wondering If this sounds like the voltage regulator took a dump and the p/s leak was just coincidence? Also can I get the regulator with out removing the pump and were is the best place to get one (cheapest)?

 

You may be better off shopping for a used alternator from a local junk yard. Many yards sell them for about $50. I would buy from a local yard in case it is noisy or faulty and you have to return it.

http://www.partshotlines.com/

I recently replaced my alternator.

Remove the belt by turning the tensioner clockwise.

You will have to unscrew the power steering hose fitting on front side of pump, unbolt the pump and place on top of engine leaving the hose to the reservoir connected and the pulley attached. Not a big or messy job.

Loosen the 2 bottom screws which hold the air conditioner in place and remove the 2 top screws which sandwich the alternator mounting tabs between the air conditioner and the accessory bracket.

Unscrew the screw from the alternator which attaches from the pulley side.

Disconnect wires to alternator (battery should first be disconnected).

Alternator should lift out.
Put back in same manner.