1997 Chevy Cavalier Changing the serpentine belt to bypass

MORLAINE

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
128,000 MILES

Hi, I wasn't sure which category to assign this to. I live in Costa Rica and brought my Chevy with me from Arizona. Before I left the A/C stopped working and because it used freon I was quoted a price of over $2000.00 to switch it over to the new system, whatever it is that is not freon. I couldn't afford to pay that, so I didn't use the A/C. The A/C compressor shaft now wiggles and makes a terrible noise. I'm afraid if it seizes up it will damage the engine, but that's a guess on my part. So my question is can I have a mechanic put on a different belt that bypasses the A/C compressor? If so, what size belt would I need? Is there somewhere I could order it on the internet? Is there a place where I could order a new or refurbished A/C compressor? I would prefer this option but I can't afford what they wanted in Arizona and parts for American cars are almost impossible to find here. Or do you have other suggestions to resolve my problem? Could you respond to my email address as I have limited access to the internet and emails are a better option for me. Carolesaylor@hotmail. Com Thanks for any help you can give me. Carole Saylor

1 Reply

BASSTECH

MEMBER
236 POSTS

You have a few choices. You can just order a belt for your car without the a/c option from any auto parts store. If the compressor is in the way of the new belt, just remove it. You can also get a used compressor from a junk yard either locally or on the net. I think some places will ship them to you. You don't have to charge it up, just install it and leave it be. If you let the current one go, with the pulley loose, it will eventually fall apart and the belt will break. Good luck.