98 Mystique serpentine belt replacement to by pass A/C compressor

Yes, you get a smaller serpentine belt for it . Take off the compressor.

Contact your local NAPA auto parts store and ask if there is a by-pass pulley available for the AC on this model. If there is, you will be able to do it. If none available, you may have to replace the compressor

check here:

MERCURY MYSTIQUE Belt Routing Diagram from Best Value Auto Parts

O'reilly auto parts, sell a by-pass pulley assembly, that will take the place of the a/c compr.

I would suggest that you have the A/C pump replaced. In the mean time you can remove the A/C belt, even if it's the entire serpentine belt and replace it with a shorter one to eliminate the A/C Compressor. If you go to your local parts store and ask for a belt for that model car they will ask if it has air conditioning or not, tell them that it does but you want the belt for the non air conditioned model and a mounting diagram. This will leave you with no air but in a short while the compressor is going to burn that belt off anyway.

No. The bearing on the compressor can be replaced without buying an entire compressor.

You either have the wrong belt, or it's not on correctly. Make sure all of the pulleys are secure. (Like the power steering pump support bracket isn't loose) The diagram for the belt is usually under the hood.

If your compressor is bad it needs to be replaced. You have several different options. 1. Run to a local auto parts store, buy a new compressor and have someone install and refill your system. 2. Buy a used compressor from a salvage yard have it installed for cheaper but more likely to go out faster. 3. Keep going to the dealer who will more then likely go to the same auto parts store buy the same part and increase the price on your invoice then charge you more per hour to install it then the local mechanic that's a block away. 4. The local mechanic might be able to put a smaller belt on and bypass your ac compressor. Putting the smaller belt on doesn't always work. Only on some vechiles. And on a personal note, if that dealership wants a $1000 for this job, I would consider that highway robbery!

the models without AC use a AC delete pulley, so there is only one belt size, the pulley goes where the compressor is in your with AC car, contact Ford for the AC delete pulley

If the comprtessor itself is bad, you can unplug the activation wire located up fron of the unit, this will allow the clutch bearing to turn separate of the compressor. If the clutch bearing is the cause you will have a problem, these belt systems are so crazy that it would be almost impossible to select a belt to do what you want.