A/c Compressor went out on the '07, so decided to park it in the garage for a bit and replace all the misc parts I had been sitting on for a while. Replaced the compressor, condenser, water pump, alternator, and tensioner. Tensioner and new belt were both Gates. Couldn't get the belt back on for anything. I've done them before on numerous cars and it's always a bit of a pain, but nothing like this. Tried heating up the belt, etc... no luck. Grabbed a Goodyear belt just for the hell of it and was eventually able to walk it on by rotating the crank, but it seems WAY too tight. The tensioner is almost entirely maxed out and I'm thinking it will be too much stress on the bearings if I leave it as is. I've verified all parts replaced are correct. I'm at a loss....

Mostly venting, but if anyone has run into something similar, would love to hear your thoughts.

 

Figured it out... disassembled everything and found the new A/C compressor (GPD 6513243) has a pulley that is effectively almost 1" greater in diameter than the stock unit. I'll just order a new belt and slap a sticker under the hood somewhere to let someone in the future know it no longer takes the factory belt.

 

appreciate the follow up where did you buy the replacement compressor?

 

RockAuto. They didn't have the Nissens in stock when I needed one or I would have gone with that option....

The diameter of the outside of the pulley is basically the same, but the inner part where the belt sits is what's different. The stock unit is inset a bit.

 

Wonder id you can just swap the OEM pulley onto the new compressor to keep the standard belt length?

 

Maybe, but with it being a magnetic clutch, I think I would rather just use a different belt. Also, changing the pulley would underdrive the compressor a bit. Amazon already delivered the new belt, so I'll probably get everything back together later this morning.

 

Just wanted to come back and wrap this up. With the GPD (part # 6513243) compressor, I had to switch to a 69" serpentine belt (factory is 68"). All is well, but if I had to do it again I would order the Nissens compressor. It just seems like a better design to have the belt recessed a bit on the pulley like the factory part.

-Matt