www.jec.org.uk

Yesterday I noticed that the aircon temperature wasn't as cold as usual. Then there was a slight rubber burning smell. Then a squealing of rubber. Then a smouldering broken rubber belt in my rear view mirror bouncing along the M3.

The belt to the aircon compressor had come off.

Either I'm lucky and it just needs a new belt, or it only broke 'cos something seized horribly.

The question is; should I be able to turn the compressor pulley wheel by hand (now the belt's not there)? I can't, but they are quite meaty compressors, so maybe that's normal.

Also, any good aircon specialists in the Southampton area?

Thanks.

With the ignition off and thus no power to the compressor clutch, the pulley should turn reasonably easily.

If yours doesn't, it might be that a seized compressor was what led to the belt failure...

Thanks. Just looked and it's totally solid.

Any idea what make / model and where to buy from would be best?

Your local air con shop can quote, so can David Manners and SNG Barrat, you'll need a regas and and might as well change the reciever drier tube as well.