Can the A/C be bypassed on my van?

[SavInQuil]

I have a 1995 APV with the 3.8L engine. Last year the A/C compressor started making horrible noises when I would turn it on. So we just quit using it. But about a month or so ago we started hearing the same sound again but much worse and we figured out that it is coming from the AC compressor. Even though it is not turned on.

It is getting progressively worse. My boyfriend says that the pulley on the front of the compressor is shot along with the bearings and stuff. I am more than willing to just go without the AC but my problem is that the serpentine belt wraps around that pulley and therefore we can't just take the AC out. The belt is getting worn out very fast and I am afraid to drive it for fear of the belt breaking. I called around to some shops to see about getting the AC repaired and they are telling me it is going to be about $1000 to get it fixed. One guy suggested that it might be possible to get a smaller belt to bypass the AC compressor.

Is this something that is possible to do? Does anyone know what type of belt I would need if possible? Thanks

[TexasGuy]

Don't know why it costs $1000 to get it fixed. A new compressor is about $380 with $150 rebuilt units showing up on eBay.

[luminasrus]

yes you can skip it. Just take the belt off,and use a piece of string to go around all of the pulleys, in the right order and direction skipping the compressor. Measure the distance and buy a new belt of that length.

[LMP]

check this out
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=346613

[SavInQuil]

I just wanted to say that the suggestion by LMP in his post was exactly the information I was looking for. We bought the suggested belt and have installed it. The A/C is now bypassed and the van in running great. Thank you so much. This is the second time I have found the answer to a problem with my van on here (the first just using the search function). You guys are awesome!!!

[TexasGuy]

At Autozone you can get a special pulley that mounts onto existing compressor holes and works as a "fake" compressor wheel. Price is like $40.