Benefits Of Removing The Air Con Belt

[frankie406]

Hi as the title says is there any benefit of removing the belt?The air con hasn't worked in years probably needs re-gassed but can't be bothered.

[gazza1286]

There's no real benefit as the air con pulley 'free-wheels' when the system is off. There is an electrical clutch which would activate to drive the compressor during operation. It's the pump which would affect fuel consumption. But as your system doesn't work there no issue.

[Exvec]

I removed the Air con compressor cus it wasn't working and it had the dreaded rattle,and i put a shorter belt on and i get 5 or so mpg to the good.so happy.

[fastbob72]

It's true that it has a clutch to allow it to turn unloaded when the A/C is switched off but there is still a minimal amount of drag even then.

I removed mine too, actually removing all the components from the compressor, condensor and all the hoses back to the bulkhead.

It remobves some weight but the biggest advantage I've found comes from removing the condenser from infront of my coolant radiator allowing it to get unobstructed airflow.

It runs cooler by 2° on average aswell as generally being cooler in the engine bay.... plus 3-5 mpg on average :)

I have a 1ZZ-FE and not afraid to use it :)

[frankie406]

Thanks for the replies folks.will look into it when the weather is good and when I'm allowed to drive again😣😣