Does the A/C belt drive any other devices. Can I remove/cut the belt without affecting the vehicle performance other than no air conditioning operating. Problem is Air conditioning pump bearings very noisy, and I am out in the country in Australia. Model:- Holden Statesman Caprice WH series 2001 model Gen111 V8. Model & Make category listed is incorrect but had to put in closest type. Good Luck Thanks

1995-98 Models

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Remove the splash guard on the right side of the vehicle.
3. Loosen the alternator belt idler pulley.
4. Slip the drive belt off the alternator pulley.
5. Remove the four air conditioning compressor mounting bolts.
6. Remove the radiator fan and fan shroud.
7. Move the air conditioning compressor forward.
8. Disconnect the alternator harness connector.
9. Remove the alternator mounting bolts, and lower the alternator from the vehicle.

To install:

1. Hold the alternator in place and install the mounting bolts.
2. Plug in the alternator harness connector.
3. Move the air conditioning compressor back into location.
4. Install the radiator cooling fan and shroud.
5. Install the air conditioning compressor mounting bolts.
6. Place the drive belt on the alternator pulley.
7. Tighten the drive belt to the proper tension with the idler pulley.
8. Install the splash guard.
9. Connect the negative battery terminal.

Proper belt tension is important. A belt that is too tight may cause alternator bearing failure; one that is too loose will cause a gradual battery discharge and/or belt slippage, resulting in belt breakage from overheating.

• TESTING
• REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Alternator

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TESTING

The easiest way to test the performance of the alternator is to perform a regulated voltage test.

1. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature.
2. Connect a voltmeter between the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
3. Voltage should be 14.1-14.7 volts.
4. If voltage is higher or lower than specification, connect a voltmeter between the battery positive (B+) voltage output terminal of the alternator and a good engine ground.
5. Voltage should be 14.1-14.7 volts.
6. If voltage is still out of specification, a problem exists in the alternator or voltage regulator.
7. If voltage is now within specification, a problem exists in the wiring to the battery or in the battery itself.

Many automotive parts stores have alternator bench testers available for use by customers. An alternator bench test is the most definite way to determine the condition of your alternator.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1993-94 Models
See Figures 1 through 5

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable, for safety purposes.
2. Remove the right side splash guard from under the vehicle.
3. Disconnect the alternator lead wires and connections. Label them if you are unsure of their locations.

Fig. Fig. 1: The large positive lead connection is protected by a rubber boot

Fig. Fig. 2: Make sure the alternator ground wire is also removed

1. Loosen the drive belt adjusting bolt and slip the belt off the pulley.
2. Remove the lower adjustment bolt, followed by the upper pivot bolt.

Fig. Fig. 3: Remove the lower adjustment bolt ...

Fig. Fig. 4: ... followed by the upper pivot bolt. Make sure you support the alternator

1. Lower the alternator from the vehicle.

To install:

1. Using a C-clamp and a socket, push the upper pivot bushing back in it's bore until it bottoms out.

Fig. Fig. 5: Using a C-clamp to push in the pivot bushing will make installation easier

1. Raise the alternator into the engine bracket, and push the upper pivot bolt all the way through the bracket to support it.
2. Install the lower adjustment bolt, followed by the upper pivot nut.
3. Place the belt on the alternator pulley, and tighten the belt.
4. Tighten the upper and lower mounting bolts.
5. Engage the alternator lead wires and connections.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.
7. Start the vehicle, and check for proper operation.
8. Readjust the belt tension, if necessary. Install the lower splash guard.

1995-98 Models

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Remove the splash guard on the right side of the vehicle.
3. Loosen the alternator belt idler pulley.
4. Slip the drive belt off the alternator pulley.
5. Remove the four air conditioning compressor mounting bolts.
6. Remove the radiator fan and fan shroud.
7. Move the air conditioning compressor forward.
8. Disconnect the alternator harness connector.
9. Remove the alternator mounting bolts, and lower the alternator from the vehicle.

To install:

1. Hold the alternator in place and install the mounting bolts.
2. Plug in the alternator harness connector.
3. Move the air conditioning compressor back into location.
4. Install the radiator cooling fan and shroud.
5. Install the air conditioning compressor mounting bolts.
6. Place the drive belt on the alternator pulley.
7. Tighten the drive belt to the proper tension with the idler pulley.
8. Install the splash guard.
9. Connect the negative battery terminal.

Proper belt tension is important. A belt that is too tight may cause alternator bearing failure; one that is too loose will cause a gradual battery discharge and/or belt slippage, resulting in belt breakage from overheating.

Thanks for using FixYa.

Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-2.7L engine
Chrysler Cirrus & Sebring Convertible; Dodge Stratus; Plymouth Breeze

Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-Chrysler 2.7L engine

2.7L Engine
A/C & Alternator Belt

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Remove the right front wheel and belt splash shield.
3. Loosen tensioner locking bolt and pivot bolt.
4. Rotate tensioner clockwise to allow enough slack to remove belt

To install:

1. Install the air conditioning compressor/alternator belt on pulleys, tensioner in slack position, slip belt over idler last.
2. Adjust drive belt tension.
3. Install the belt splash shield and right front wheel.
4. Lower vehicle.
   
   
   

   Fig. Installing A/C & alternator belt-2.7L engine
   

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Remove the right front wheel and belt splash shield.
4. Loosen the tensioner locking bolt and pivot bolt.
5. Rotate tensioner clockwise to allow enough slack to remove the belt

To install:

1. With the tensioner in a slack position, install the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor/alternator belt on the pulleys. Slip the belt over the idler last.
2. Adjust the drive belt tension.
3. Install the belt splash shield and right front wheel. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (136 Nm).
4. Lower the vehicle.
   

Power Steering Belt

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Remove the right front wheel and belt splash shield.
3. Remove the air conditioning compressor/alternator belt.
4. Loosen belt adjusting bolt. It is not necessary to loosen the pivot bolt on the power steering pump. There is a bushing incorporated into the power steering pump/bracket that allows it to pivot.
5. Remove the power steering belt.

To install:

1. Install the power steering belt on pulleys.
2. Adjust drive belt tension.
3. Install the air conditioning compressor/alternator belt.
4. Install the belt splash shield and right front wheel.
5. Lower vehicle.

The ancillary belts routing diagram for a 1998 VW Passat 1.8 Turbo


AC = Air Conditioning
CS = Crankshaft
F = Fan pulley
G = Generator
PAS = Power Assisted Steering
T = Tensioner pulley
WP = Water Pump

1. Viscous coupling removal (lock the viscous coupling).



2. Lock the ancillary drive belt tensioner.



3. Lock the coolant pump.


4. Remove the coolant pump drive belt.
5. Remove the ancillary drive belt.
6. Release the A/C tensioner if vehicle is equipped with A/C (Air Conditioning).
7. Remove the A/C compressor drive belt.

1. Refer to the illustration for drive belt routing for vehicles with 4.2L engine with air conditioning.

1. Refer to the illustration for drive belt routing for vehicles with 4.2L engine, without air conditioning.

Check this two procedure for...

2.2L (VIN 4) Engine

1. Properly discharge the air conditioning system into a recovery/recycling machine.
2. Remove the drive belt on the vehicle.
3. Remove the air cleaner and resonator assembly.
4. Unplug the electrical connections from the compressor.
5. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
6. Unfasten, then remove and cap the A/C hose from the compressor.
   

Cap the refrigerant lines when opening the system to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture and the loss of refrigerant lubricant.

1. Loosen the A/C compressor bolts, then raise and support the vehicle.

Fig. 3: Compressor mounting on the 2.2L (VIN 4) engine

1. Remove the compressor.
   

To install:

1. Position the compressor on the vehicle.
2. Lower the vehicle.
3. Install the compressor bolts, then tighten the front bolts to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm) and the rear bolts to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm).
4. Attach the compressor hose using NEW sealing washers. Tighten the mounting bolts to 24 ft. lbs. (33 Nm).
   

Lubricate O-rings with refrigerant oil.

1. Engage the electrical connections to the compressor.
2. Install the air cleaner and resonator assembly.
3. Install the serpentine drive belt.
4. Connect negative battery cable.
5. Evacuate and charge the system.
6. Perform a leak test on the system.

3.1L (VIN M) Engine

1. Properly discharge the air conditioning system into a recovery/recycling machine.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the serpentine drive belt.
4. Remove the front compressor bolts.
5. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
6. Remove the rear compressor bolts.

Fig. 4: Compressor mounting on the 3.1L (VIN M) engine

1. Unplug and cap the coupled hose assembly from the rear of the compressor.
   

Cap the refrigerant lines when opening the system to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture and the loss of refrigerant lubricant.

1. Disconnect the electrical connection at the compressor.
2. Remove the compressor from the vehicle.
   

To install:

1. Install the compressor on the vehicle, engage the electrical connection to the compressor.
2. Install the coupled hose assembly to the rear of the compressor, with NEW sealing washers. Tighten the mounting bolt to 24 ft. lbs. (33 Nm).
3. Install the rear compressor bolts. Tighten the rear bolts to 8 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Install the front compressor bolts. Tighten them to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm).
6. Install the serpentine drive belt on the vehicle.
7. Connect the negative battery cable.
8. Evacuate and charge the system.
9. Perform a leak test.

Hope this help (remember rated this).

That's a good question. I've always had a belt connected to the compressor on my hondas (1979, 1981) and worked on vehicles that had the belt on.

Most people like to have a/c working on their cars.

I would imagine that if the belt broke in an emergency, that it wouldn't hurt anything if run for a short distance before repairs could be performed.

Good luck on this one.

Installation > 5.9L Diesel Engine 5.9L Diesel Engine
WARNING Do not attempt to check belt tension with a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an automatic belt tensioner.

Drive belts on diesel engines are equipped with a spring loaded automatic belt tensioner. This belt tensioner will be used on all belt configurations, such as with or without air conditioning.

1. Depending on the year of the vehicle, a 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch square hole is provided in the automatic belt tensioner. Attach a 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch drive-long handle ratchet to this hole.
   
2. Rotate ratchet and tensioner assembly clockwise (as viewed from front) until tension has been relieved from belt.
   
3. Remove belt from water pump pulley first.
   
4. Remove belt from vehicle.
   

To install:

WARNING When installing the accessory drive belt, the belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine may overheat due to water pump rotating in wrong direction. The correct belt with correct length must be used. Position drive belt over all pulleys except water pump pulley.

1. Attach a 1/2 inch ratchet to tensioner.
   
2. Rotate ratchet and belt tensioner clockwise. Place belt over water pump pulley. Let tensioner rotate back into place. Remove ratchet. Be sure belt is properly seated on all pulleys.
   

Air Conditioning Belt

1. Remove the accessory drive belt.
2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
3. Remove the engine shield bolts.
4. Remove the engine shield.
5. Install a ratchet into the air conditioning (A/C) belt tensioner adapter opening.
6. Rotate the A/C belt tensioner clockwise in order to relieve tension on the belt.
7. Remove the A/C belt from the pulleys.
8. Slowly release the tension on the A/C belt tensioner.
9. Remove the ratchet from the A/C belt tensioner.
10. Clean and inspect the belt surfaces of all the pulleys.
    
    Fig. Location of air conditioning belt tensioner-4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L Engine
    

Air Conditioning Belt

1. Remove the accessory drive belt.
2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
3. Remove the engine shield bolts.
4. Remove the engine shield.
5. Install a ratchet into the air conditioning (A/C) belt tensioner adapter opening.
6. Rotate the A/C belt tensioner clockwise in order to relieve tension on the belt.
7. Remove the A/C belt from the pulleys.
8. Slowly release the tension on the A/C belt tensioner.
9. Remove the ratchet from the A/C belt tensioner.
10. Clean and inspect the belt surfaces of all the pulleys.
    
    Fig. Location of air conditioning belt tensioner-4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L Engine