Typical air conditioner drive components
1 - tensioner;
2 - bracket;
3 - compressor.
The air conditioning compressor is driven by a V-belt from the crankshaft pulley. All equipment driven by the belt is rigidly fixed. The belt tension is maintained by a spring tensioner.
The drive belt tensioner provides tension for belts with a wide range of lengths, but this range has limits. Using a belt that is longer than the tensioner can adjust may result in poor belt tension and/or tensioner failure.
Caution: During regular inspection of the belt, cracks may be found in its ribs. These cracks do not affect the operation of the belt and therefore should not be considered a reason to replace the belt. However, if the belt has slipped or several sections of the belt ribs are missing, it must be replaced.
Checking the technical condition/belt tension
If belt burning is observed, check that the tensioner and belt are in the same plane and that the edges of the belt are not rubbing against the sides of the tensioner pulley. If the tensioner or idler pulleys are making a high-pitched noise, check the bearings for damage.
To check that the belt length meets the requirements, inspect the position of the tensioner marks. If the belt is too long or its length is outside the tensioner adjustment range, replace the belt.