[lofton316]

Has anyone bypassed an ac compressor on a 2.5 using a shorter belt? I know the configuration of the accessories on the engine makes this a little complicated because of the routing.I don't plan on using it permanently, I have a noise from either the compressor or the alternator & can't figure out which one it is. So this for diagnostic purposes.

The compressor works fine, engaging the compressor doesn't change the noise. It sounds like a bad bearing I just can't tell where. Its been like this for 2 years. So whatever it is definitely needs to be replaced asap. I brung it to a few shops and they couldn't tell me either.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. The shorter belt size would help me tell which part to replace instead of guessing.

 

[VStar650CL]

The alternators have an overrunning clutch built into the pulley which are often very noisy when they go bad. The bearings are known to go bad as well, although not as frequently. Anything in the compressor or clutch would definitely change sound or pitch when the compressor operated, so you can pretty much rule that out without any belt swapping. Depending on the type of noise, the only other likely culprits are the idler and tensioner or the water pump. All three of those can be readily checked with a stethoscope.

 

[VStar650CL]

Correction, no idler on a gen5, that's a gen4 and Rogue thing. So only two other culprits.

 

[lofton316]

Correction, no idler on a gen5, that's a gen4 and Rogue thing. So only two other culprits.

The alternators have an overrunning clutch built into the pulley which are often very noisy when they go bad. The bearings are known to go bad as well, although not as frequently. Anything in the compressor or clutch would definitely change sound or pitch when the compressor operated, so you can pretty much rule that out without any belt swapping. Depending on the type of noise, the only other likely culprits are the idler and tensioner or the water pump. All three of those can be readily checked with a stethoscope.

Thank you so much!!! I will try the stethoscope, i had cut a washer fluid bottle in half and stuck a screw driver in it to see if i could find the noise that way. I didn't even think about a stethoscope 🤦🏾‍♂️😭

 

[VStar650CL]

Get a mechanics' type, it's designed to poke into places not as accessible as a human chest.

Mechanics Stethoscope

Amazing deals on this Mechanics Stethoscope at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[lofton316]

Get a mechanics' type, it's designed to poke into places not as accessible as a human chest.

Mechanics Stethoscope

Amazing deals on this Mechanics Stethoscope at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Thank you that worked! It's definitely the compressor pulley. I ordered a clutch kit off of ebay for $50 since I can't find the pulley separate.

 

[VStar650CL]