Automotive AC

[grumpy356]

So, my 2003 Subaru outback it’s breaking air conditioner belts. Everything‘s in alignment, nothing really seems out of sorts. I replaced the idler pulley as a precaution. But an AC belt still only last about two or three weeks. I think it’s the compressor. Is it common for an AC compressor to work intermittently but then hang up and break a belt?

If it was the clutch it should just engage and make the AC compressor turn. I wouldn’t think it would shred a belt.

what have y’all seen?

 

[Bamajeeper]

Does the belt only engage the comp and idler or does it drive other components?

 

[grumpy356]

Does the belt only engage the comp and idler or does it drive other components?

Crank, comp, idler. That’s it.

 

[montrose818]

compressor siezing up? proper amount of oil in the system? would be my guess. in either case, i think youre going to need a new compressor dryer etc

 

[Dethmachinefab]

Unplug and see if it still eats it.

 

[Roktoy829]

Does the A/C light flash any?

 

[Clb]

Clutch hub bearings tight and smooth?

 

[grumpy356]

Does the A/C light flash any?

No. the light shows its running

Its old. I dont think the light knows much.

 

[KarlVP]

It's winter. Worry about it later.

 

[[486]]

Unplug and see if it still eats it.

this
if so then you need the idler bearing on the compressor
if not then time for a compressor or pressure switch

 

[WaterH]

Are you saying the belt fails with the AC off? If so, alignment. (I know you said it's straight.)

The other issue could be the clutch is slipping. I had a AC clutch slipping and it would get boiling hot. (It would literally boil water on the pulley) It would start making the belt smoke. The AC still worked. I ended up changing the compressor, but maybe I only needed to change the clutch. I was just sick of screwing with it.

 

[Roktoy829]

No. the light shows its running

Its old. I dont think the light knows much.

Very good chance it has a revolution sensor in it, even with it being a '03. But have you checked the clutch, or hearing any noise?

if the clutch is held on with a bolt, try turning it and see if you feel any issues.

 

[TRINDU]

It's winter. Worry about it later.

It was 90° today . But the only people who own lesbarus are Yankees, twats, possibly both.

A belt just doesn't "break". You should hear a hell of a racket/squeal if the clutch was locking up and eating it. Not to mention belt debris around the culprit.

Or is it throwing the belt?

 

[M92PV4U]

It's winter. Worry about it later.

I have a similar problem with my suburban... I've been worrying about it later for a couple of years.

 

[montrose818]

I have a similar problem with my suburban... I've been worrying about it later for a couple of years.

put a little 12v fan in, problem solved

 

[M92PV4U]

put a little 12v fan in, problem solved

It's got four windows to roll down.