2001 Chevyy Prizm help please

[ludwigman1971]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and glad to be here.

I have a 2001 Prizm with a A/C compressor that is making a grinding noise. I can actually see metal shavings forming on the outside of the pulley. I think it is the magnetic clutch going out.

I bought a belt for the same car wit out A/C to bypass the compressor but it was still to long.

My questions are can I keep using the compressor pulley and unplug the electric terminal on the compressor so that the clutch can't engage or can I use a string to go around the pulleys skipping the compressor and measure it to find a belt that will fit.

I want to do this because I can't afford to replace the compressor and other parts that concern the AC.

[EdW]

When you have the belt off and spin the compressor by hand, does it feel smooth or like the bearings are shot?

[ludwigman1971]

Originally Posted by EdW

When you have the belt off and spin the compressor by hand, does it feel smooth or like the bearings are shot?

When spun by hand without belt it grinds.

[Shawn5800]

This exact thing happend to my 98 prizm. I remember opening the hood and getting hit with metal. It sounded like a skateboard with bad bearings.

I didnt care much about the ac system in the first place because i never use it so i went to the auto store and bought a serpentine belt w/o ac. Just re route the belt and bypass the compressor pulley. Voila, your engine purrs like a kitten again and you dont have to worry about the pulley seizing up while you drive. Gives you a bit more power to.

Unless you want to replace the ac compressor. Quite pricey compared to a thirty dollar belt.

Good luck