What size belt to bypass the A/C compressor with shorter serpentine belt?

Tiny
JWELLINGTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 SATURN ION
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 225,000 MILES
Clutch blew out on the ac compressor. What size serpentine belt would I need to bypass the compressor altogether? Thanks!
Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 AT 6:36 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 POSTS
Hi,

Unless the clutch assembly is removed on the AC, I don't think it is possible because the rear of the belt will likely rub the compressor pulley. See pic below.

If it is removed, you need to know the length needed, the width of the belt, and the number of ribs on the belt. Take a tape measure and measure around the route the new belt will take. Remember, if the old belt is already removed, the belt tensioner will be extended fully, so it will be necessary to subtract approximately an inch off the overall length needed.

The easiest type of tape measure to use is a material tape measurer.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, when you say the compressor clutch has failed, do you mean the bearing? If the bearing is still good, you can remove the pulley and the clutch coil and then reinstall the pulley to continue using it.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
JWELLINGTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The pulley itself still turns freely. The cutch assembly gave out. I unplugged the power to the compressor so it will not try to engage. Car runs smoother and steadier. Pulley turns with no noise other than the rattle of part of the clutch stuck behind part of the pulley. So far so good.
Thanks for the Info.
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Thursday, November 9th, 2023 AT 12:12 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. Yep, that sounds like a plan. If you want to, remove the pulley and then you can remove the clutch coil (magnet) and reinstall the pulley. However, if there are no issues at this point, it should be fine.

Take care and let me know if anything changes.

Joe
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Thursday, November 9th, 2023 AT 7:53 PM

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