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A/C clutch bearings are licked

Tiny
5FT18
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 4.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 166,000 MILES
So I want to shortcut the belt and not include the A/C.
how do I find out what size belt I need?
YouTube says same size belt.
But the distance of the shortcut seems shorter.
secondly, if I short the A/C pulley do I need to pull the A/C pulley and unit to have clearance on the new belt or can I just put on new belt and run as is? Excited to hear from you pros.
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Friday, September 22nd, 2017 AT 7:17 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,010 POSTS
They use a different belt on the non-AC Astro's but GM replaced the AC compressor with a bypass pulley and a different idler to make it work correctly. First image is belt routing without AC, second is with AC. The bypass pulley is in the third picture.
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Friday, September 22nd, 2017 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
5FT18
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
First off thanks Steve.
I saw that diagram on the engine cooling that is when I decided to ask about the shortcut. Do you know if I have to remove the A/C pulley and unit to allow the shortcut?
I am told to determine the belt size I should use a string. Is that true?
Cheers
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Friday, September 22nd, 2017 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,010 POSTS
The bypass pulley is installed in place of the AC compressor. The upper idler is moved to a different bolt hole and you just buy the belt for the Astro without AC.
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Friday, September 22nd, 2017 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
5FT18
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
This site and these guys that answer.
ROCK.
You gave me expert advice that I was able to convey to my mechanic.
To fix and reinstall the ac was over $1400.00
With the shortcut
all in with short belt and a bypass pulley
$160.00
Thanks Steve
im on the road again
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Monday, September 25th, 2017 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,010 POSTS
You're welcome. Glad we could help. Please return any time with you're automotive questions. Tell your friends about us.
Thank you for using 2carpros. Com
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 AT 1:31 AM

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