A/C clutch bearings are licked

2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO

166,000 MILES • 4.0L • 4 CYL

5FT18

MEMBER
3 POSTS

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.

Sep 22, 2017 at 7:17 PM

STEVE W.

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
15,200 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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Sep 22, 2017 at 7:59 PM

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

Sep 22, 2017 at 8:11 PM

STEVE W.

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
15,200 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.

Sep 22, 2017 at 8:45 PM

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

Sep 25, 2017 at 6:05 PM

STEVE W.

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
15,200 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

Sep 26, 2017 at 1:31 AM

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