Here's why:
* Belt Tension: The AC compressor pulley contributes to the overall tension of the serpentine belt. Removing it will likely cause the belt to slip or come off entirely.
* Component Failure: Without the belt properly functioning, the alternator (charging the battery), power steering pump, and water pump (cooling the engine) will fail, leading to a stranded vehicle, overheating, and potentially serious engine damage.
* Pulley Rotation: Even if you could somehow maintain belt tension, the compressor's pulley is designed to rotate. Simply removing it might damage the compressor itself or interfere with adjacent components.
If your AC compressor is malfunctioning, you have these options:
* Repair the AC Compressor: This is often the most cost-effective solution if the compressor itself is repairable.
* Replace the AC Compressor: If the compressor is beyond repair, a replacement is necessary.
* Remove the Compressor and Belt the System: You can remove the compressor itself, but this still requires careful routing and tensioning of the serpentine belt around the remaining pulleys. You'll need to consult a diagram or workshop manual to do this correctly. This effectively disables your AC.
In short: Don't attempt to bypass the pulley. It's unsafe and will likely cause further damage. Instead, address the AC compressor issue properly through repair or replacement, or remove the compressor and correctly reroute the belt. Consult a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any of these options.
