By-passing AC compressor

Tiny
RICHBRION
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
The pulley on my AC compressor is "howling" like crazy. The car is not worth spending all the money it would cost to replace the compressor and go through all that entails. Is it possible to by-pass the compressor with a different belt? I have seen some information that this is possible. What can you tell me? Thanks for your help! RICH
Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 5:05 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Anything is possible, but when you eliminate the compressor, then the issue becomes not only belt size, but also routing. What I suggest is this: Contact your local parts store. A company called Dorman, which is an aftermarket auto parts manufacturer, produces what is called an AC bypass pulley. Basically, you remove the compressor and bolt on the bypass pulley. They are not expensive. Most are around the cost of a new belt.

If you decide to just replace the belt, I was able to find a belt routing diagram for both with and without AC. It should work from what I can see. With that, you will need a shorter belt. The new belt dimensions should be as follow:

Length - 43.5"

Width - 0.7"

Rib - 5

_____________

I looked up those specs and found an example of what I feel should work. I picked a manufacturer at random. Here is what I found:

Continental Part number 4050435

Let me know if any of this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
Thanks for visiting 2CarPros.

Looking at the diagram it looks to be possible. The deciding factor is if the tensioner will come back far enough. You could use some rope to get an idea of length and see if the tenisoner does make contact. It will likely take a few trips to the parts store. Below is the diagram.
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 7:42 PM

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