The weird noise I inquired about a month ago turned out to be the compressor clutch which no shop seemed to only do. Me not being keen on dropping $1300 for a new compressor decided to get a bypass belt installed for $150. Shop called and said they couldn't install it as it came into contact with the tensioner. Is there a way around this?

It is a 2000 Maxima GLE.

 

I forget what size belt I used to bypass the a/c compressor but, it did not come in contact with the tensioner pulley or any other pulley. What ever the shop did , they did it incorrect. I'm pretty sure you can Google search for the correct belt size. I know I was able to purchase said belt at AutoZone.

 

Also, $150 to change a belt? That sounds extremely outrageous. I did the belt bypass myself in 20 minutes with no special tools. I think there's even a YouTube video on this specific a/c bypass belt change. Let me know if you still are unable to figure it out. I could walk you through the job. If you lived close I'd do it for you at a fraction of what that shop charged you.

 

Yes, I have been researching this and have found multiple threads on belt sizes,replacement of clutches and compressors, and installation. The belt size should be 36" which I asked if they used it (they wouldn't be specific and showed me why it can't be installed). I would take you up on your service, but I am in Calgary, Canada which there doesn't seem to be a lot of maxima.org users here. Another thread I found someone posted the brands and model numbers for the belts that work, so I have that to use. Shop installing Bypass belt was supposed to be quick solution.

It would be nice to have a shop in Calgary that can do a Clutch, Clutch Bearing, or bypass belt replacement. Of all the shops I called, only the one I went to said they could do the belt bypass and none would replace the clutch or bearing.

Since you have informed me that it should work, I will buy a $30 belt and do it myself. Trying to see from a diagram how I would install it. How did you arrange the belt to bypass it?

 

dat google

 

If this is it, how would the shop somehow hit the tensioner? It seems really simple, literally just a short belt passing the compressor.

 

maybe they are dumb and trying to take it over the tensioner pulley? idk

 

another pic

 

The same way the belt normally routes around the pulleys, just don't route the belt around the ac pulley. Crank pulley,.also known as harmonic balancer around the alternator and tensioner pulley, bypassing ac pulley. Power steering is a completely different belt. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Now I have another issue, I can't seem to find a belt which fits. According to other threads it should be 36 inches long and someone posted all the manufacturers part # for the belt, but they are all 37".

Anyone know where I could get one of the 36" Bypass belts or a link to a belt which will work?

 

Walk in a parts store and get a 6 groove belt at the specified length. The parts stores I tried here in the US when I had that issue did not specify an "ac bypass belt" for a 5th gen, they just tried to sell me a bracket with a pulley located where the compressor pulley would be. Problem is my compressor with the bad clutch was still on the car, plus I wasnt paying $50 for bracket wit a pulley. Long story short I just got a 6 groove 37" (36" works too) belt and installed it until I could replace the compressor.