I don't know which car you are referring to but my 83,84 and 85 have a VR which plugs into the rear of the alternator. A very, very simple job with a couple of options:

1. Get new brushes ($3.00) but probably not worth the pain
2. Purchase new from Fastland as indicated above
3. Purchase new from parts place (I paid $30 or so)

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed