No A/C - No A/C belt

[Mailorder]

My Air conditioning hasn't been blowing cold air for about a year now. I took my Q45 to Auto Zone and the dude popped the hood and took a look. Turned out there was no belt connected to my A/C, so I bought a new one. I got a feeling it's gonna be tough to get this one on. I've replaced my belt going to my alternator (with help from NICOclub, of course - I remember I had to adjust the alternator pulley to get the belt on.. I think), but this A/C belt seems buried a bit deeper in my car.

Is there a guide or thread online on what I need to remove/loosen/unscrew in order to get this belt attached?

[maxnix]

Just the FSM.

Typically, the wise owner replaces all belts and any even slightly suspect pulley bearings to minimize repeat labor.

[Infinitiguy19]

Heres the correct procedure1. Loosen alternator tensioner2. Remove alternator tensioner3. remove alternator belt4. loosen waterpump/PS tensioner5. Remove waterpump/PS tensioner6. Loosen AC tensioner7. Remove AC tensioner8. Remove AC belt

-assemble in reverse order... and replace loosen with tighten

Helpful tips (PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU START)

1. Note how tight the belts currently are. When you reinstall them try and make them just slightly tighter. Thats the best way I can describe how tight to make them, besides actually measuring the deflection.

2. Note the position of the tensioners. I put the alternator one on backwards the first time and that made an aweful screeching noise - not good! Also, the tensioners are different, so be sure to keep them separate.

3. All of the tensioner adjustments can be reached from below. I tried from the top and you just can't do the water pump adjustment from the top. They're both easy to work with on the bottom, even easier with the nose of the car on jackstands.

[bullittandy]

I'm fascinated that you lived with no A/C for a year and did not discover the missing belt. It seems unlikely that you'd have the gumption to replace a belt considering the above but if you find the energy then the the belt was either cut off by a previous owner or broke due to some sort of mechanical faliure in the compressor so the A/C is unlikely to work even with a new belt.

Good luck

[unknown007]

It's the easiest to change and replace belts.Do it from the bottom of the car jacked up.Read the FSM on how to move the pullies with that long screw that adjusts them.Take them all off if the A/C is in the back.It's not hard.New belts should be flexible about half and inch.

I dont use my A/C not even in summer. Make it hot and sweaty but saves gas.

[mxr662]

It seems unlikely that you'd have the gumption to replace a belt considering the above but if you find the energy then the the belt was either cut off by a previous owner or broke due to some sort of mechanical faliure in the compressor so the A/C is unlikely to work even with a new belt.

Good luck

Try turning and wiggling the pulley on the compressor and the tensioner for the AC belt. The AC pulley should spin free with the AC clutch disengaged. Neither pulley should wobble much. You might be able to find out why the belt may have been removed. (Bad Bearing)

I would try installing the belt to see if the AC works-but that's me.

Good Luck