[brucepick]

2000 Insight, standard trans.

I'm getting noise in the area of the a/c compressor.
I'd say it's a scraping sound, with a whine added. I suspect it's either the compressor's clutch or bearing, or the idler for the belt.
I'll be taking it to a shop as soon as I can get an appointment.

My question:
If I'm forced to wait for an appointment, can I cut the belt? SHOULD I cut the belt?
Is it true that nothing else is running off that belt?

Winter is setting in here in New England. Weather is cool, so I'd be using the compressor only for defogging.

Thanks!

 

[KLR3CYL]

No you need the belt to run the water pump.
Its highly likely it the tensioner bearing.

Scott

 

[jpr]

Like Scott said, do not cut the belt as it runs the water pump.

You can bypass the AC compressor with a shorter one, however. Follow these steps exactly: AC Compressor Clutch smoking

My AC clutch started making a bunch of noise at the beginning of winter and I bypassed it successfully - I figure I have until spring to source a replacement.

eta: Replace the tensioner while you're in there, since you'll have to loosen it anyway. They're like $15 and it'll add a negligible amount of time to the job.

 

[brucepick]

Thank you both.
I was able to get an appointment at my favorite shop for tomorrow, Wednesday.
I drove it about 20 miles today. The digital ECT display on my ScanGauge showed normal temperatures; apparently the coolant is still circulating. I’m sure it will last at least till it gets to the shop.

Thanks again.

 

[KLR3CYL]

Might be worth purchasing a mechanics stethoscope and listing to the bracket on the tensioner. The stethoscopes are often readily available at many auto parts stores.

Scott