Could I bypass the AC compressor in a 2001 cavalier

Hi, i have a 2001 cavalier LS, 2.2L engine. Its compressor goes bad, producing a scraping sound. Since it will cost me a lot of money on an old car to replace the compressor, i just want to bypass the ac system. Is that possible for this model to do that?

Thanks a lot,
Lynn zhang

Yes, you can, and all you need is a shorter belt. The water pump pulley will have much less contact with the belt, which could possibly cause slipping problems, but I think it should be fine... just keep an eye on the temp gauge until the belt wears in. Not sure if it's the same as the non-A/C belt, as it may have an idler where the compressor is, so you may have to measure and guess at the size.

just run the no-A/C belt. Works like a charm.

Thanks for all your reply! what is the difference between a AC belt and a non AC belt? I let a technician check my car several days today and he said the AC system can't be removed. I will try the Chevy dealer tomorrow. I live in country side, so not many choice for me.

I don't know why he'd say the A/C system can't be removed... you could literally remove every part from it and cause no problems. It's pretty obvious looking at it that it can be done. Must not know what he's talking about OR he wants to sell you a compressor/drier/orifice tube/recharge for several hundred dollars rather than a cheap belt.

All you need for this is the belt for a cavalier without A/C. Look at the picture in this post by Cody, you'll see what we mean. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=309192

The non-A/C car just lacks the A/C compressor (thanks, Cody, couldn't remember if it had an idler there... don't see many non-A/C). The only difference in belts is the length.