Ac Belt Keeps Breaking/exploding Off The Ac

okfllying · June 1, 2011

Hi, I have a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L V8.

The issue that i am having is that the AC belt keeps breaking/exploding off. Ive replaced the belt and the belt tensioner and even installed a tighter belt. Now the belt lasts about 1 week and the AC unit cools fine. The issue that I have noticed is that while accelerating the truck, the belt/belt tensioner makes a sqeeling noise.

Any one experienced this issue? I'm wondering if my AC compressor is locking up or if it needs to be replaced or if it needs to have the AC system flushed.

DaveH71 · June 1, 2011

seems like the compressor is seizing up

donjames911 · June 1, 2011

Or maybe an alignment problem?

spock · June 1, 2011

My Dayco a/c belt snapped last week with only 10k mi on it. Looked like it had chunks missing for a while before snapping. Wasn't making noise. Keep us posted on what you find for a cause.

Spurshot · June 1, 2011

My 99 6.0L 2500 did similar a few times. I evacuated the a/c system and recharged with the correct amount of refrigerant and all was well. If someone has added refrigerant, over filling could be the problem. If it's never had any added, it could be a mechanical problem with the compressor.

brianf60 · June 2, 2011

When does it break? If it is on start up then do a search. GM had a computer update to change the compressor engagment on start-up. I can't remember what year, but did do a re-flash once to cure this problem. I was shocked it solved the problem. Post your VIN # and I can search for updates...