I have this 98 Honda civic Lx. Last week suddenly the ac stopped working. Its not blowing cold air. I opened the hood and noticed that the compressor belt is broken. When I took it to a local mechanic he just saw the broken compressor belt and said the compressor is gone and I have to spend $750 to fix it. Will the compressor gets damaged when the compressor belts breaks. AC fan is running good. Any suggestions. Do I really need to spend so much to fix it?

 

what usually happens when i find a broken belt is that the compressor has seized up. which causes the belt to break. so turn your AC on. be sure that the compressor clutch has enguaged and then try and spin the compressor by hand, being carefull not to get your fingers pinched under the clutch. if it spins, it just needs a belt, if it wont, then it needs a compressor... and a belt.

 

To check if the compressor is seized, get your jack out and get the drivers side front wheel up. On the lower part of the splash shield remove just enough of the plastic retaining clips to pull the shield back and you will have easy access to check the pump. You will probably break those plastic clips but you can get them at the local auto parts store(3/8" diameter). Remember Safety First , use a jack stand.