[V8] alternator rebuilding and idler pulleys

[eric anderson]

Hi all
Getting down to the biz of deciding if it's possible to rebuild the V8's alternator ?.....anybody had any luck w/ it ....
The battery light started flickering and eventually it stopped charging.
I hope it is just the brushes.
also...It seems like it is really challenging getting the serpentine back on...i know i have the right pattern cause i've done it lots of times...was thinking that a slightly smaller idler pulley(alternator side)
maybe from an A6(100) would make things easier....as long as there is no squealing.....i have already removed the tensioner shock absorber....was not really doing anything and appeared to be seized .
I have heard that if the serp is too tight it will fry alternators
Urban legend? 
I have tried to sell this car so many times for a measly 500 bucks @190k and nobody wants it so i might as well drive it to the end.
Eric