My a/c belt keeps going loose, causing the compressor not to run, resulting in my a/c system blowing warm air. I know it's because the tensioner isn't keeping the belt tight enough because the bolt used to adjust it keeps getting lose, so I have to tighten it. I plan on taking the belt, bolt, and pulley off, and cleaning the whole area well to see what's up. Has anyone encountered or done this before? My only experience in this area of the car was when I replaced the belt about 2.5 years and 30k miles ago. I am quite confident the belt is still good.

 

I just did mine this weekend. My car is a '96 VDP w/122K miles. Get a new belt first of all. Climb under the front of the car, look up at the adjuster; there are two hex head cap screews with 10mm hex heads, remove the screws the adjsuter will just drop in your hand. The tensioner bearing is held by a 10mm hex head screw, disassemble (5 parts), clean, lube reassemble, adjust belt. Pretty easy really. I'd use a new tensioner bearing as well...

Good luck

 

Is the compressor clutch engaging?

 

Thanks Roger. I'll probably be taking care of that tomorrow. Hopefully I can get a new bearing on the cheap, otherwise it may have to wait a little.

Tim, I am quite confident the compressor clutch is engaging, but since this is my first A/C problem in this area, I don't have much knowledge of the compressor. I learn about things on my car as they go wrong for the most part, although I do try to keep prepared.

 

If you look at the front of the compressor pulley when the A/C is engaged the centre should turn as well.

If it doesn't then the problem lies elsewhere

 

Yeah, the compressor clutch isn't always engaging. I did clean off the tensioner and all because it had been loose. The compressor wasn't on when just idling, but kicked on after I revved the engine to just under 2000 rpm with the a/c off, and then turned it on. Now it seems that my problem lies in my compressor not always engaging.

 

That could be down to low gas.

Have you had it checked?