Cadillac Repair: Compressor - 88 Sedan DeVille FWD, moore tool company, clutch plate

Question
Compressor clutch plate and pulley are rubbing, rattling, and freezing up periodically.

The air conditioning has not worked for a long period of time.

I do not want to purchase a new (rebuilt) compressor.  Is there any problem with removing the compressor (Air conditioning has been discharged some time ago) and what size serpentine belt would I need to ensure proper fit around all other pulleys?  

Answer
Hi Sam, A simpler solution might be to remove the clutch plate and leave the compressor in place. If you don't have the removal tool and don't have a loaner program through your local auto parts store then what I did was remove the nut, and with a prybar, stick it between the space just behind the clutch plate and pry out. Work back and forth say 8 and 4 o'clock positions until the plate comes off. Then if that bearing doesn't freeze up you should be in good shape with no other parts to buy. If however the bearing does lock up you can replace that plate assembly after removing a snap ring or get a junkyard compressor. As for belt size it will be a trial and error thing because Cadillac always had a/c to the best of my knowledge and didn't have a bulletin for that belt only. Kent moore tool company did make a 4 belt kit and one of them would eliminate the a/c compressor but you would have to call 1-800-GMTOOLS to get a price quote. Last time I heard it was around $48.00 for the 4 belts. Hope that helps. Bill