Replacing / tightening 2.8 A/C compressor belt (Page 1/1)
Raydar AUG 18, 12:04 PM
I just finished replacing the belt on my V6's compressor, tonight. (Note that all I loosened was the bottom bolt. Nothing up top.)
Moving the compressor towards the engine in order to slip the new belt on proved to be not so much trouble.
Getting the compressor to move back out, to take up the slack in the belt, proved to be a whole 'nother story.
Prying against the lug on the compressor, through the holes in the bracket, didn't do much but flex the bracket downward. Couldn't get enough leverage or "purchase" to move the compressor back.
My solution was to fix a small-ish C-clamp to the back edge of the bracket, under the compressor, as close as I could get to the engine block, without the cradle getting in the way.
Once that's tightened, it will provide a flat surface (as opposed to a slanted edge) to pry against, to push the compressor back into place.
Once it's "close", prying against the lug, through the holes, will work.

Clamp in place,


Prying against it.


It also works for the alternator bracket.
theogre AUG 18, 12:32 PM
AC... make sure all mounting hardware is there & tight after adjusting the belt for cars w/o auto tensioners.
Compressors are heavy and often have extra brackets etc that have slots for more bolts on the "back."

Even w/ self tensioners like 87-88 Duke, AC compressor bolts often go missing, gets loose and falls off or fools strip the holes in aluminum during work causes same later.

Missing bolts often also cause pulley alignment problems too making the belt to wear out fast.

For the alt, most times all you need is a wrench on small ear on the alt.
see cave serpent belt.

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