I have a 2005 545 with 200,273 miles. My A/C belt failed. I have a new one but can't get it on without some tool. Is it safe to drive car while I await the tool I need. Thank you very much in advance.

 

Not sure if the A/C belt is the whole belt at the front of the engine (visble when hood is open), if so. I wouldnt drive the car, since it runs many other things such as alternator and many others things in the car.

 

well if the 545 is like the 550, then your ac belt is seperate from all other accessories. so you should be alright.

 

The AC belt is separate from the serpentine belt (which is driven by the crank shaft pulley and in turn drives the alternator, water pump and power steering pump). As long as you can live without AC there is no problem with running the engine without the AC belt.

There are posts on this forum which outline installing an AC belt tensioner (standard on other models that use the same engine) so that the stretch belt can be replaced with a conventional belt and installed as easily as the serpentine belt.

I suggest you take it to a mechanic who can install it quickly.

 

i didnt have the special tool. i "walked" the belt on by manually turning the engine with a socket on the main crank pulley bolt.

 

no problem at all! I ran my 545 for a few months without an ac belt...and without ac of course!

 

You're in MA so it's a yes. I'm in TX and it's June. No a/c means me no drive.

 

btw..forgot to mention...i am impressed at the mileage your car has...200k ..amazing! Gives several people hope!