Hi

Can you run a 2001 Caravan without the belt that drives the AC unit? The main serpentine belt drives the Alternator and power steering and it would only appear that the second v-belt only drives the AC unit.


I have a 2001 Caravan that was squealing from the belts for sometime. I thought it was the main (serpentine belt) and we have had that replaced on two occasions.

Finally, I got fed up and looked around on my own. It became clear that the squeal only came from the belt that sits around the a/c unit. It would squeal off and on depending on when the AC unit would engage (note that this was with the AC off or on).

I tightened the belt tension a bit and this stopped the squeal for a couple of days but it returned. It stopped again but this was due to the belt having either slipped off or breaking and coming off. (The belt is gone).

I don't mind replacing the belt and figure I could do this myself. But the questions is can you run a 2001 Caravan without the belt that drives the AC unit? The van is in such a shape and age/mileage that I would not bother replacing this AC unit if it continues to cause the squeal with a new belt. I would rather take the belt of and run without AC...if this isn't going to cause any problems with other parts of the engine or other components (pumps, etc).

The idler for this belt turns freely as does the pulley on the AC unit. The part of the AC unit that engages turns but under some tension. Not sure if it turns as freely as it should.

Thanks
~Phil

 

Welcome to DF
You would need to replace the a/c with an idler pulley or replace the a/c compressor. When a compressor pulley sized up, it may stop the engine from turnning over.

 

Thanks for the quick response.

Just out of curiosity, what would happen if I drive without the belt that turns the AC unit if the main belt that turns the Alt and power stearing is in good condition? Can I do this for a few days/weeks until I have time to deal with it?

Thanks again,

~Phil

 

I assume you have a 3.0L engine. If so, you can take off the belt with no consequences but not having a/c. It's probably making noise because the compressor is going bad. You might be able to just unplug the compressor to stop the noise, just freewheeling, the belt should be quiet