Typical elements of the air conditioner drive
1 - tensioner; 2 - brackets; 3 - compressor.
The air conditioning compressor is driven by a V-belt from the crankshaft pulley. All belt-driven equipment is rigidly fixed. Belt tension is maintained by a spring tensioner. The drive belt tensioner provides tension to belts over 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 breakage of the tensioner.
WARNING: Regular inspection of the belt may reveal cracks in the ribs. These cracks do not affect the performance of the belt and therefore should not be considered as a reason to replace the belt. However, if the belt has slipped or several sections of belt ribs are missing, it must be replaced.
Checking the technical condition / belt tension
If the belt burns; check that the tensioner and belt lie in the same plane, and that the edges of the belt do not rub against the sides of the tensioner pulley. If the tensioner or idler pulleys are making a high pitched sound, 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 is out of tensioner adjustment range, replace the belt.