serpentine belt

[Schmoky]

My 1998 silverado has what sounds like a bad bearing in the a/c compressor. Can I put a shorter serpentine belt on to by pass the a/c? Is it as simple as getting the belt for the non a/c model of the same motor? Any chance the bearing is fixable or do I have to change out the whole compressor? Or I will eventually replace the compressor but to get by for the winter I thought I could just replace the belt for the time being. Schmoky

[get me on the road]

You can go to the parts store and they should have a book or software on their computer that shows all the possible belt routings i.e. how they run and what pulleys they go over. I had the same problem on my 91 S10, and had to buy an idler pulley/bracket to put in place of the ac compressor. I think the bracket and pulley came together for under $20.

[get me on the road]

So what did you come up with Schmoke?

[robin58]

Autozone sells a MotorMite bypass pulley (part # 34152) for $32. You would then need a shorter belt.

The replacement bearing for the a/c clutch is only $28.

Would make more sense to me to do the latter.

[Schmoky]

for now I just unplugged the electrical connector and as I understand it the pulley is just free wheeling. no noise coming from it and I will deal with it in the spring. I really don't need a/c n ow at -22C. Merry Christmas. Schmoky

[OJOE]

Originally Posted by Schmoky

for now I just unplugged the electrical connector and as I understand it the pulley is just free wheeling. no noise coming from it and I will deal with it in the spring. I really don't need a/c n ow at -22C. Merry Christmas. Schmoky

it is free wheeling on the bearing so if there is no noise the bearing may not be bad

[Schmoky]

I gather the bearing is still good. But what is the noise coming from? How about replacing the clutch pack? I believe the a/c is still working but a hell of a whining noise when I hook up the connector. It cuts in and out, any ideas. Schmoky