bad ac compressor

[augusto]

my 01 toyota corolla sport has bad noise i believe the ac compressor bearing is bad.can i bypass the ac compressor by using a shorter serpentine belt that we can buy that has no ac? i dont know the diagram will be in routing the belt without the ac compressor but will it be exactly the same just dont loop it the compressor?

[Brian R.]

What happens when you simply unplug the compressor connector? It may just deactivate the clutch and cause the compressor pulley to free-wheel and not turn the compressor. May be a temporary solution until you fix the compressor.

[augusto]

thanks brian, i will definitely try that before throwing money to it.the ac still works and i think refrigerant are still there.it only annoys me of this unusual noise evertime i start the car.i thought for a while it was the alternator so i took a long bar(stetoscope)to hear where the loud noise coming from and i found out its the ac compressor.

[augusto]

so i just bought a shorter belt after asking the dealer if i could bypass the ac compressor which i did.i bought the model 01 corolla without the ac belt cheaper than the long one after i installed it its quiet and no more annoying noise.so definitely its the compressor or clutch bearing.i want to ask if these two are the same.without the belt i could freely turn around the ac pulley but it does really make noise even it is turning freely.my question is do i have to change the whole ac compressor or just fix the clutch?the air still works and giving cold air.

[Brian R.]

You can fix the clutch. I don't have access to a maintenance manual which is what you'll need, and perhaps some special tools. Pull the plug powering the compressor. It will save power.

[jdmccright]

Usually the A/C clutch is pressed onto the compressor shaft. It can be done with a special tool, but given the confines of the Corolla engine bay, it may be easier done with the compressor out of the car. There's not alot of room between the clutch face and the passenger side fender.

The one time I attempted to do just the clutch was on my Jimmy where the compressor was right on top and plenty of space in front. I still had to pay to have it put on correctly because the tool didn't work. And resorting to a hammer to put it on is just bad news for the compressor bearings. If you can get as far as pulling the old one off, you can probably drive it to a shop (call ahead) and ask if they can install a new clutch for you installed in the vehicle.