2000 3.0 Belt shred: Idler Pulley or A/C Compressor?
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Joined: Jun 2008
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2000 3.0 Belt shred: Idler Pulley or A/C Compressor?
2000 Caravan 3.0L
Shredded my A/C belt, replaced. Shredded it again 100 miles on.The idler pulleyis definitely NOT spinning freelyit turns to finger pressure, butwith some resistance and no free spin. A/C pulley spins freely with engine off, so at least the compressor clutch isn't locked up, right?
Both times got that resistance squeal from the belt when the A/C compressor kicked on, and then several minutes of nice cold air. Then when the compressor kicked on a subsequent time got the squeal for a few seconds,and the belt shredded.What I'm wondering isif it's possible the added drag from the compressor kicking on is enough to shred the belt when added to the stiff pulley, but not enough without. All the "belt melt" is on the idler pulley, almost none on the A/C pulley.
I'd sure rather spend ten minutes and $20 on a new pulley than $$$ on a new compressor! Of course, either way I get a new pulley.
Shredded my A/C belt, replaced. Shredded it again 100 miles on.The idler pulleyis definitely NOT spinning freelyit turns to finger pressure, butwith some resistance and no free spin. A/C pulley spins freely with engine off, so at least the compressor clutch isn't locked up, right?
Both times got that resistance squeal from the belt when the A/C compressor kicked on, and then several minutes of nice cold air. Then when the compressor kicked on a subsequent time got the squeal for a few seconds,and the belt shredded.What I'm wondering isif it's possible the added drag from the compressor kicking on is enough to shred the belt when added to the stiff pulley, but not enough without. All the "belt melt" is on the idler pulley, almost none on the A/C pulley.
I'd sure rather spend ten minutes and $20 on a new pulley than $$$ on a new compressor! Of course, either way I get a new pulley.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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RE: 2000 3.0 Belt shred: Idler Pulley or A/C Compressor?
i believe gates makes a kit that includes a new belt and the idler pulley.the thing that i'm wondering about is how it melts after the a/c compressor comes on a couple of times.either the idler pulley is really worn out or the compressor is low on oil and starting to wear out because of it.i'd change the pulley and belt first it's cheaper and easier.