This is a new alternator bracket from VW that bolts to the top of the engine block. These brackets are prone to breaking as they are small and support a lot of weight, and are subject to a lot of vibration and stress. It is important to have the alternator secure to reduce risk of the belt being loose or flying off. Please note, original ones had a square hole for the bolt head to lock in - these have just a round hole so will require different bolt and holding a wrench on the bolt head when tightening. But if you do buy the alternator extra brace it has the square hole and the longer bolt so this bracket works great in conjuction with it.