C4 alternator replacement warning

[harryp]

Wife took our C4 Nov 2013 in for a service when on the way the dash lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree. Had to have both front springs replaced and the warning lights were due to a failed alternator. Dealer quoted 1500 pounds for a new one, so asked them to remove it and took it to the local repairer who took one look at it and pronounced it irreparable, pointing to the pulley. You may be interested to know that PSA? had welded the 2 hex holding bolts to the pulley. Don't understand the local leccy as the diode pack and brushes and regulator could be replaced, provided the com rings were sound, but he didn't bother to look, but was very eager to sell me a replacement at 750. Had a look on the net and got a replacement for 550. That too had the pulley holding bolts welded on. To me this is blatant planned obsolence and the car has only done about 44,000 miles. Needless to say we definitely won't be buying another. The front springs went at the same mileage as my father in laws Ford Fiesta, (made me wonder whether Ford made PSA springs) Never had to replace an alternator having taken all bar one of my previous cars to 200,k miles. What's going on? Is this now common practice across the industry and also other PSA vehicles? Would have thought this borders on illegal?
Regards, H

[Peter.N.]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALTERNATOR-R ... SwsClbe-vB

Fairly easy to fit. I haven't had an alternator fail in probably the last 30 years and if I did I would fit a secondhand one.

Peter

[harryp]

Couldn't find second hand one in time. Quite concerned ref the welding though.