air condition belt keeps breaking
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 208
Likes: 6
From: Baltimore MD
air condition belt keeps breaking
i replaced my ac belt in my 2003 coupe a while ago. it only lasted a few months. put a new one on and it lasted about 6 months this time. am i just getting crappy belts or is there something else i should check? the ac worked fine all summer. compressor is not making any noises, etc.
thanks.
thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I agree with BOTH of the above replies! 
The elastomer band between the Harmonic Dampener HUB & OUTER RING can loose its BOND allowing the outer ring to move forward or backward. That will cause belt misalignment and premature belt wear.
With the engine RUNNING, use a flashlight and examine the dampener outer ring. See if it is wobbling or out of alignment. The ring USUALLY moves forward and can come into contact with the steering rack and damage it. It can also move rearward and cut a hole into the front engine cover. THATS A BAD DAY!
You can also PAINT a strip of paint across the hub, rubber bond and outer ring. If that painted line becomes out of alignment after you drive the car, ITS BAD!!
The elastomer band between the Harmonic Dampener HUB & OUTER RING can loose its BOND allowing the outer ring to move forward or backward. That will cause belt misalignment and premature belt wear.
With the engine RUNNING, use a flashlight and examine the dampener outer ring. See if it is wobbling or out of alignment. The ring USUALLY moves forward and can come into contact with the steering rack and damage it. It can also move rearward and cut a hole into the front engine cover. THATS A BAD DAY!
You can also PAINT a strip of paint across the hub, rubber bond and outer ring. If that painted line becomes out of alignment after you drive the car, ITS BAD!!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 104
From: Springfield Ohio
If the harmonic balancer is wobbling, it will have to be replaced. The job is labor intensive and can be costly. Definitely a DIY if you have time, space and tools. Otherwise best done by a repair facility. Hope it's just the idler and not the balancer!
