Hello everyone, I have broken two a/c belts. I replaced the tensioner, but still broke a belt. The compressor turns freely and I believe the clutch is ok. I have never had the compressor out so I don't think it is an alignment issue. I really hope not to have to pull the comp, as it looks difficult and then I will be off to the a/c shop for recharging. Need some suggestions, please! 2001 Tahoe LS 5.3 (243,000 mls)
Thanks!
lz518

 

Welcome to the forum.

Try a Dayco belt or OEM one.

Are they actually breaking or just throwing off and then get chewed up?

Does the compressor turn freely w/ the clutch engaged?

 

Thanks for the reply! I will try an OEM belt. As far as the compressor goes, I can spin it with no belt on it, but how would I engage the clutch to see if it turns then? The belts did break as far as I can tell.
Larry

 

Does the belt break only when you turn on the A/C?

You can try to engage the clutch by turning the key to the run position and turn the A/C on. That may work. Without the clutch engaged, you are just spinning the pulley.

 

with the engine off you should be able to slowly turn the clutch assembly (not pulley)
You might want to install the belt and get under the vehicle while its running and watch the AC clutch while you have someone else turn the AC on... and you can see what happens at time of engagement... do be careful if the belt does come off not to be in its way..

Does the AC work for a short while or does the belt break right-away? If its breaking right-away the compressor is most likely shot...

 

I had to replace all three components on my '01 - compressor, clutch and tensioner - before I stopped breaking belts.

Compressor seized - broke belt.
Clutch failed - broke belt
Tensioner seized - broke belt

Each of these were separate occurrences, and each happened when it was at least 95° outside. The tensioner failure, after I'd already replaced the clutch and compressor, happened on a road trip to Wisconsin, while we were sitting in traffic in Chicago. I was not happy.

Hey - look on the bright side - at least the A/C has a separate belt. At least it doesn't leave you stranded on the side of the road. You only get hot, sweaty and pissed off.

 

Thanks! I have replaced the tensioner as well. I did buy a new belt tonight and will (carefully) observe the clutch action. Thanks again for the info!