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An easier fix. Check with your local parts store to see if Motormite/Dorman makes an AC Bypass pulley. It goes in place of your compressor and you don't have to change the belt routing.
I don't know of a practical way to get around this problem. If just the bearing inside of the clutch pulley is bad [which would first be noisy then might lock up and burn off the belt] then you may be able to have just that bearing replaced so your belt will work again. I've replaced several of these bearings over the years...they are pressed in place and do require a bit of skill and a good press to replace. Sometimes though the bearing will go bad and damaged the nose of the compressor badly enough that the only fix is to replace the compressor. The only real way to tell is to examine it all once the clutch pulley has been removed from the compressor. Hope this helps a bit!
on the 3.8 liter v6, the pulley on the a/c compressor can be replaced if it is locked up (frozen) on the compressor. the question is what is actually locked up? if the a/c compressor is locked up but the a/c compressor pulley turns, then you need to disconnect the wire harness connecter that is on the a/c compressor pulley/clutch so you can run the defrost on the climate control. many GM cars will run the a/c when you switch the climate control to defrost especially in the winter so the a/c system stays lubed and does not lock up the a/c compressor from lack of use. you can then relace the belt without replacing the compressor pulley/clutch assembly. if the compressor pulley/clutch assembly is locked up, it will need to be replaced. i do not believe there is a way to route the belt bypassing the a/c compressor. you dont want the water pump turning in the wrong direction if you reroute the belt wrong or the engine will overheat. i hope this helps!
Fig. Fig. 8: You can use a box-end wrench on the pulley nut to rotate the tensioner ...
Fig. Fig. 9: ... then remove the belt from the pulleys
Fig. Fig. 10: Serpentine drive belt routing and removal - 3.8L (VIN L) engine shown, VIN C similar
Fig. Fig. 11: Make sure to note the drive belt routing prior to removing it - 3.8L (VIN K) engine shown
Fig. Fig. 12: Drive belt removal on a 1992-95 supercharged engine To install: Be sure the belt is aligned into the proper grooves of the accessory drive pulleys.
Lift the tensioner, and install the belt onto pulleys. Make sure the belt is routed properly.
Fig. Fig. 13: Many vehicles have a label you can check to be sure the belt is installed and routed correctly
For 1996-99 vehicles, raise and safely support the vehicle. Install the engine mounting bracket lower spacer, stud and nut.
For 1996-99 supercharged engines, perform the following:
Attach the connector to the crank sensor.
Install the right-hand splash shield, then carefully lower the vehicle.
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