I'm trying to change out the AC belt on my Volvo. Its being a bit difficult though. Only the AC and power steering are out so fortunately I can walk away (and have been for 2 days now, which is about 2 hours of work).

What Im doing now is loosing up the fixed bolt a tad near the AC, then loosing up the sliding bolt that goes through the fixed/stationary bolt. It's not really doing anything though. The belt is still really had to get on.

Any advice? Are there any other bolts to loosen up?

This is really the first car that I've started working on so Im a bit inexperienced. All I have found out is that, for fixingcars, you needthree hands but you only have room for one.

 

The best way to understand this is to think of it as a pivot, which is what it is. The compressor has a couple of more bolts/nuts on the brackets which hold it in place and can be accessed from the bottom and from the back. They could be challenging but are not that hard. In most cases you'd have to hold the nut while you're turning the bolt. Avoid stripping them, and remember what you loosened up so thet you can tighten everything up afterward. Even loose, the A/C is kind of hard to muscle around since there is not much room there, and all the hoses are in the way.

 

I feel very defeated right now. I dont think IVe been more frustrated in my life. The belt isn't fitting and Ive loosened every bolt. Im afraid if I take it to a place they will gouge me and I just don't think I can afford it right now. I appreciate the help but Im just going to drive around with no ac for a bit more til I can take it in.

 

Well, from what I get, the NEW belt is hard to slip on? Make sure it's the correct belt, then even with the compressor loosened, it takes some muscle to slip it over the pulley. Is the compressor loose enough to move by hand left to right?

 

The new belt was really really tight. After some more work and a much needed break I went at it again. My dad replaced all of the belts a few years back and I found an AC belt that doesnt have much wear (doesnt look new like the new belt.. but that may be a given) but it slipped on alright. The new belt still wouldnt go on, but I got the AC comp to move a bit more. What I really needed was another set of hands though. He was able to hold up on the compressor as I slipped it on with a screw driver. Lord have mercy is it nice to have power steering. Just in time too. Someone did their best to drive in to my lane and attempt to hit me. I was able to save the car, luckily.

Thanks for your help. Belts are a chore and a half to replace...