The In-Depth Information Regarding Air Conditioning Compressor Belt

Posted by Partsavatar on December 7th, 2016

Air Conditioning compressor belt is one of the simplest components of your car air conditioning system. Despite being so simple, it handles the most important function of a car AC system. It allows the compressor to move through the engine power. AC belt connects the engine crankshaft to the AC compressor clutch. Without the AC belt, the clutch would not be able to function normally resulting in a system breakdown.

Automotive Air Conditioning belts come in two basic variants - V-shape belts and serpentine belts. V shape belts connect only two components - the engine crankshaft and the compressor clutch - with each other. The serpentine belts are used for more versatile purposes. Serpentine belts have ridges on the inside and are used to connect several moving components with each other. No matter what type of belt is installed in your car AC system, it is an important part of the system.

AC belts are delicate parts and it is important to keep the precautions while checking and replacing them. Most of the modern cars do not use V-shape belts as modern cars need belts that are versatile and can perform more than just one function. If your old belt is worn out or making squealing noises then it is better to replace it with a new one. To do that, first, you should understand the routing of the old belt. You can click a picture of the routing of the old belt and proceed forward with the replacement process accordingly. You can also follow the diagrams given in the owner’s manual. By doing that you can fairly understand the routing of the belt and how you should move ahead in the process.

While replacing the belt, you have to keep certain important points in mind such as the tensioner, belt accessories, and certain markings for the best possible results. A bent mounting bracket can make a pulley crooked and you have to realign it. You can easily bend back the steel bracket into place but using a couple of shim washers is a better option. If the belt damage is caused by a fried alternator or seized compressor then there are high chances that the new belt will be damaged soon. To avoid that, you need to remove the root cause of the problem else you will be replacing the belts again and again.

The pulley should move freely. The spring must have an appropriate amount of tension and there has to be no friction in the pivot. The tensioner assemblies are not expensive and you can replace them with some better alternatives available easily in the market. If you see oil spots on the belt then it is a warning sign. Leaking engine oil can significantly deteriorate the belt.

After the new belt is installed, you should turn on the engine and check for the tension with the help of a tension gauge. After you have turned on the engine, you should let it run for a minute or two so that the belt makes its grip on the pulleys.

Now that you know the importance of the Air Conditioning compressor belt, make sure to check the health of the AC compressor belts periodically.

About the Author:

PartsAvatar.ca was conceived and founded by Dr. S. Singh in 2012. Parts Avatar Inc. has been a successful online supplier of auto parts across Canada since 2015. Parts Avatar currently has warehouses spread all across Canada and excel at providing high quality components at highly competitive prices and superfast shipping. The company aims to become the largest retail supplier of automotive parts and accessories in Canada by 2020.  Besides supplying parts, the company is also keen on creating innovative niche markets within auto parts, supply chain and repairs industries.