SPONSORED LINKS

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.
SPONSORED LINKS
Friday, September 22nd, 2017 AT 7:17 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 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.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, September 22nd, 2017 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 25th, 2017 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 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
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 AT 1:31 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Air Conditioner Compressor Clutch Content

VIEW MORE

Sponsored links