 Remove Air Conditioning Belt?, Pros / Cons Anyone? |
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 Mar 9 2010 - 11:49 AM
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#1
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 Group: Regular Members Posts: 157 Joined: Sep 28th, 06 From: Kitchener, Ontario Member No.: 1,622  |
So I will be changing my belts soon.
I never use my AC. Every time i am at the dealer (it has been some time now) they inform me it is not working. Is there any reason to install a new AC belt or can I let those pullys relax for a few kilometers? -------------------- bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard
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Mar 9 2010 - 04:26 PM
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#2
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 Group: Regular Members Posts: 348 Joined: Jul 28th, 08 From: Ottawa,Ontario Member No.: 6,231 |
No reason to have it on if it's not needed, if it was me I'd just cut the old one off
when replacing the alternator/water pump belt, you might improve your fuel economy a bit. -------------------- 2005 450 cdi passion blue w/power sunroof ,Softtouch transmission, ignition free power window conversion
Kofangar-Lasse's "450&1/2" font panel mod , euro front turn signal conversion w/led side blinkers spin on oil filter adapter, SGII, Roadster wheel package W/ Moon wheel covers,Orbital yellow top AGM deep cycle battery, "Continental"DIY spare tire mount, TPMS,OE air filter, self installed clock & tach package 900W Lil'Buddy space heater w/timer under driver seat, tolsen's coolant restrictor plug Led axle tube end turn/stop signals red/blue, Led angel eyes  An Airedale, erect beside the chauffeur of a Rolls-Royce, Often gives you the impression she's there from choice. -- E.B. White 95 Tacoma 4wd |
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Mar 9 2010 - 04:30 PM
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#3
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 Crazy Quacker Group: Regular Members Posts: 8,885 Joined: Jul 30th, 05 From: Ontario, Canada Member No.: 201 |
Let me know how it goes. I'm paranoid about belts and probably have mine over-replaced... the last set that came off looked brand new and the ones I have put on now squeak like nobody's business. I want the old ones back on!
 -Iain --------------------  Nosedive.... 280 000 km+ |
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Mar 9 2010 - 04:31 PM
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#4
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Group: Regular Members Posts: 366 Joined: Oct 27th, 08 From: Maidstone, Ontario Member No.: 6,582 |
I can't tell you for sure, but the refrigerant has a lubricant incorporated with it and if this does not circulate every once in a while, parts may rust out and others may seize. Other car manufacturers also use the A/C as part of the defrost/defog. Don't know if any of this applies to smarts but you might want to check if this would have negative effects in your case.
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Mar 9 2010 - 04:45 PM
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#5
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 Group: Moderators Posts: 3,399 Joined: May 9th, 07 From: West Island of Montreal Member No.: 2,983 |
I just had a good close look at my belts, just past 57,000 Km. I have a hard time believing that belts that look new could "suddenly let go at any moment."
Thanks, but I'll keep the new ones under the seat for now. -------------------- Francesco
  2006 fortwo cdi pulse cabrio phat red/silver|heated leather|PLUS|sound|rack||mods LED slices|OE cruise|no front plate|keyless windows|EU lights front & rear|OE mud-flaps|colour-code|garage opener|wiper nozzle|Alpine|SGII|remap|Mocal adapter|K&N|RS grille|suspension caps|Hella fogs|Michalak sucker|mirror caps|door pulls|EBC discs & pads|TK's cooling system plug|LED angel eyes||coming up Wolo 417 air horn|Blindy||wishlist Optigear paddles|sixteens|more leather|| |
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Mar 11 2010 - 07:05 AM
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#6
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Group: Regular Members Posts: 157 Joined: Sep 28th, 06 From: Kitchener, Ontario Member No.: 1,622 |
QUOTE (gordo.bernard @ Mar 9 2010 - 07:31 PM)  I can't tell you for sure, but the refrigerant has a lubricant incorporated with it and if this does not circulate every once in a while, parts may rust out and others may seize. Other car manufacturers also use the A/C as part of the defrost/defog. Don't know if any of this applies to smarts but you might want to check if this would have negative effects in your case. I wondered about defrost. But some fortwos don't have A/C, or so i am lead to believe, so.... There is a paper tapped to my engine compartment stating that it is not to be removed until... anyway, the refrigerant leaks. A/C pumps run without refrigerant seize. (I work with them in the compressed air business). I am more worried about that than under running it i think. Well, I broke my wrist on my bicycle so i will have to wait 4 weeks to tackle this little task... PS. Thank you windows programmers for the sticky keys programming! -------------------- bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard - bike - snowboard
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Mar 11 2010 - 09:19 AM
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#7
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 Group: Regular Members Posts: 1,245 Joined: Jun 21st, 07 From: Ottawa, Ontario Member No.: 3,521 |
Well, the compressor will not turn unless it is turned on with the a/c switch on the dash, even if you set the car to defrost. Our cars do not automatically turn on the compressor with defrost. And if the refrigerant has leaked out, it will not turn on anyways because there will be a low pressure switch preventing it. So, if the system is empty, might as well remove the belt. Although, this will do very little as there is a clutch on the compressor, so you are not spinning anything unless the clutch engages except for a free wheeling pulley.
Ian, if the belt is squeeking, it is probably too loose. Guess it was not tensioned properly. This post has been edited by MightyMouseTech: Mar 11 2010 - 09:20 AM -------------------- Chris "Mighty Mouse" C.
Life's too short to drink bad wine. |
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