Just an FYI

My AC compressor seized up. At first no other symptoms except when AC engaged (noise, strong smell, and some smoke while driving <15 miles). Then, even with AC off, lots of noise, more smoke and smell (i think clutch or bearing got busted as well). The compressor front cover actually had a broken mount, with a crack that was atleast 1mm wide. I ordered a used compressor, but in the meantime wanted to bypass the AC and put on a shorter belt.

I used a 45" 6 rib belt partno: 6pk1145, found it to be too easy to fit. Tensioner mark is well on the right of the two reference indicators, it was like this with the old belt as well. It seems that 45" is too short even though other have recommended 45 1/8" length. The fact that the tensioner is so far right actually supports this since it moves right as the belt becomes old and stretches more.

 

After ~21 years / ~133k miles, my 2005's AC unit failed in this exact way this week. Your thread helped me to quickly diagnose the issue - thank you internet ghost. I installed Continental 4060450 belt to by pass the compressor and get the car running again. Cheers!