Bypass A/C pulley

Hi,

I did a little research and found that a 72" belt can be used if the compressor is removed. You can try that. The Duralast part number is 715K6. Please understand, this is something that I was told will work. I have never done it.

Please let me know if this works for you. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,
Joe

Just to clarify, did you mean remove the compressor itself, or just bypass it? Thank you very much.

You would need to remove it as it is in the path of the belt. Are you wanting to bypass the unit because it has failed or does it have a bad clutch or?

Just want to bypass it because I do not want to spend any money on this vehicle. I just want to see if I can keep it running. Compressor has been replaced twice before I got it..It is making a lot of noise and I think starts seizing up after driving for a while. It could be something else causing the problem, but it sounds like the A/C compressor area.
Thank you for your help.

Unplug the electrical connector to the clutch. Then see if it acts better. That would let the pulley act as just an idler and the pump won't try to run. If the clutch bearing is bad you can usually tell easy, Take a long stick and put it on the pump with the engine running. Put your thumb over the end and put it in your ear. A bad bearing will sound like dragging a metal pan on gravel, a good one sounds like wind through a hole.

If the clutch bearing is bad, then I would still need to fix it or bypass it, right?
Thanks again

If the clutch bearing is bad then yes, you would want to remove it in order to have room for the belt. Or replace the bearing. National 5106WCC looks to be the number, runs about 20 bucks. Not hard to replace either. Remove the front hub, dig out the snap ring, press out the bearing and press in the new one. reinstall and put the snap ring in place. You wouldn't need to install the hub if you don't want to use the AC.

Just for your information, on this 2004 Freestar, I couldn't bypass the AC compressor with a shorter belt because there is a water pump line that runs right under the area the belt needs to go.. New compressor installed.Thank you for the information.

Thanks for the info. That was a concern I had, but was told it would work. Regardless, I'm glad you got it taken care of

Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe