Help, can't get the AC belt on... - Page 2 - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Doctorman · 07-26-2021, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeDiehl

OK, so I cut off the old belt and the new one slipped on without too much effort. Thanks!

But after driving it for a while, I started hearing what I would describe as a small jackhammer sound when the AC was on. It's intermittent, so I've not been able to hear it while looking under the hood. I did, however, notice that the AC pulley seems to not be balanced. It looks like it's bouncing a little, but the belt doesn't seem to be wobbling.

Any thoughts?

Thanks again.

Mike.
'96 4-Runner
241,000 miles.

Just posted my issue with the AC belt not fitting even with the idle pully removed completely

Is there a way to get the AC belt on without removing the power steering belt? man that tension pully is not fun to work with in the P/S.

other post here, would appreciate if anyone could chime in
New AC belt doesn't fit...

USe the 890mm belt for AC in this car, fits better than 870mm

MikeDiehl · 08-02-2021, 09:37 PM

Well, the truck ran well and stayed cool for a few months after replacing the belt.

That ended yesterday. I was driving along and it began to squeak. After a short puff of rubber, the belt was gone. I also note that the light on the AC button on the dash wouldn't light.

When I crawled under the truck, I found that I couldn't turn the pulley by hand and the front of the clutch plate was very difficult to turn.

So, the question is:

1. How do I tell if the clutch has failed, or if the compressor has seized?

2. If it's just the clutch, can it be done without removing the pulley?

3. If I have to remove the pulley, will I need a pulley puller? If so, how do I get it in between the radiator?

Anyway, any help would be appreciated.

Mike Diehl,
'96 4-Runner
230K+

Bad Luck · 08-03-2021, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeDiehl

Well, the truck ran well and stayed cool for a few months after replacing the belt.

That ended yesterday. I was driving along and it began to squeak. After a short puff of rubber, the belt was gone. I also note that the light on the AC button on the dash wouldn't light.

When I crawled under the truck, I found that I couldn't turn the pulley by hand and the front of the clutch plate was very difficult to turn.

So, the question is:

1. How do I tell if the clutch has failed, or if the compressor has seized?

2. If it's just the clutch, can it be done without removing the pulley?

3. If I have to remove the pulley, will I need a pulley puller? If so, how do I get it in between the radiator?

Anyway, any help would be appreciated.

Mike Diehl,
'96 4-Runner
230K+

Typically when the ac clutch fails it won't break the belt. Try to spin the centermost part of the ac compressor pulley and see if it will turn, then spin the outer part of the ac compressor pulley. If the centermost part doesn't turn or it's very difficult to turn you probably have a seized ac compressor. If it is a seized ac compressor you will want to replace the compressor, receiver/drier, and expansion valve at a minimum. Post up a couple pictures of the compressor pulley from the front and side too.

MikeDiehl · 08-13-2021, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad Luck

Typically when the ac clutch fails it won't break the belt. Try to spin the centermost part of the ac compressor pulley and see if it will turn, then spin the outer part of the ac compressor pulley. If the centermost part doesn't turn or it's very difficult to turn you probably have a seized ac compressor. If it is a seized ac compressor you will want to replace the compressor, receiver/drier, and expansion valve at a minimum. Post up a couple pictures of the compressor pulley from the front and side too.

Thanks for getting back to me. I was able to turn the center of the clutch, but it was hard. I was NOT able to turn the AC pulley. I wasn't able to upload pictures; my phone's pictures were too big for the forum; I'll reduce them later if you really want to see them.

Looks like I'll also have to clean the burnt rubber out of the pulleys...

I have an AC gauge manifold kit and a vacuum pump. But I'm at a loss for any way to capture the refrigerant. Any ideas?

Thanks again,

Mike.
'96 4-Runner
240K+ miles.

Bad Luck · 08-17-2021, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeDiehl

Thanks for getting back to me. I was able to turn the center of the clutch, but it was hard. I was NOT able to turn the AC pulley. I wasn't able to upload pictures; my phone's pictures were too big for the forum; I'll reduce them later if you really want to see them.

Looks like I'll also have to clean the burnt rubber out of the pulleys...

I have an AC gauge manifold kit and a vacuum pump. But I'm at a loss for any way to capture the refrigerant. Any ideas?

Thanks again,

Mike.
'96 4-Runner
240K+ miles.

To recover the refrigerant you'll need to take it to an automotive shop. From your description it sounds like the compressor has internal damage. You'll need a new compressor/seals/oil and a new receiver/drier at a minimum. If it were me I would replace the expansion valve as well.

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