A/C Compressor Pulley?

Tiny
HARLEY EDWIN RIPLEY IV
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FREESTYLE
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 221,000 MILES
While driving one day our hood started smoking. We pulled over at the next parking lot to assess the damage. As we waited for the smoke to clear we heard a telltale thunk from the belt tensioner pulley. Our serpentine belt had snapped. Our friend helped us replace the belt, but it melted and snapped three days later. Upon further inspection it became clear that the ac compressor pulley was wobbling, the plate covering it rusty and its rubber bits almost crumbled. We replaced the belt again with the help of another certified friend, at which point it started up, so we shut the engine off. Then we tried to turn the engine on later and there was a deep grinding and it refused to turn over. The pulley is now pretty jammed up.

Do I: a) buy a new pulley for the ac compressor
b) buy a pulley bypass (if so which one)
c) remove the pulley and try to fix it (if so, how?)
d) buy a whole new ac compressor

Also, how do I know if there is refrigerant to be drained from the compressor and is there a way to do it from a parking lot with a ratchet set and serpentine belt tensioner bar? Step-by-step instructions would be greatly appreciated.
I am looking for the lowest cost option in order to continue working to make it to tax time.
Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 AT 6:06 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Please confirm the engine size. It should be a 3.9L. Let me know if that is correct.

Is it the compressor that is locked or the compressor clutch? I ask because if it is the compressor and not the clutch, you can disconnect the power to the compressor which will prevent the clutch from engaging. If it is the clutch assembly that is locked, then that won't work.

So, from what I can tell, there isn't an AC bypass pulley available. So, either the compressor needs replaced or you can try to bypass the AC pulley using a shorter belt. If I recall, I was able to fit a 72" belt on one for a customer years ago.

I attached a pic below showing how I feel the belt would run bypassing the compressor. Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 7:42 PM

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