Can a bad AC clutch break serpentine belt?
Hi there, yes, the air conditioning compressor is capable of breaking the serpentine belt a couple of ways. If the AC compressors seizes while operating, the shock load can snap the serpentine belt. Replacing the serpentine belt tensioner and idler pulley at the same time as the belt is always a good idea.
How do I know if my compressor belt is bad?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing AC Belt
- Squealing noises when AC is on. One of the most obvious signs that a belt needs to be replaced is that it will produce a loud squealing noise when the AC is turned on.
- Cracks in the AC belt.
- AC belt breaks.
- Inability to defrost windshield.
What happens if your air conditioner belt breaks?
If your serpentine belt wears out, becomes damaged or contaminated, or breaks, engine accessories will not be able to spin at the proper speed, leading to decreased power to the electrical system. Advances in material technology allow some belts to last more than 100k miles.
Does a bad AC clutch make noise?
Squealing noise: A loose, dry, or worn A/C compressor belt will cause squealing noise. This noise will be worse during acceleration. Rattling noise: A loose or worn clutch hub or loose compressor mountings bolt will also cause rattling noise from the compressor.
Can I drive with a bad AC clutch?
Your AC pulley is a free spinning pulley that has a clutch on it. It will spin freely until you turn the air conditioning on. If the clutch doesn’t work properly, you will still be able to drive your car.
When should I replace my AC belt?
How often does a serpentine belt need to be replaced? Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Pretty impressive.
What happens when you have a bad AC compressor clutch?
Many times, the check engine light in your car will pop on as soon as you start experiencing issues with your AC compressor clutch. Additionally, your car’s AC button might start flashing when you try to turn your air conditioning system on when you have a bad AC compressor clutch.
What to do if your AC belt is bad?
If you suspect that you may be having a problem with the belt, or need to have your AC belt replaced, this is something that any professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, should be able to take care of for you. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Heating AC Inspection.
How does an AC compressor drive belt work?
The AC compressor drive belt rotates the compressor pulley at all times when the engine is running. But the pulley will not rotate the AC compressor shaft unless the compressor clutch has engaged. How does an AC compressor clutch work?
What does it mean when your AC clutch is not engaging?
Grinding and squeaking noises – When the ac clutch is in ill repair, you may hear loud grinding or squealing noises seemingly coming from the ac compressor. There may be a worn bearing in the middle of the problem. It may be a rattling noise if the problem is in the pulley bearings. What to Do When the AC Clutch is Not Engaging