Ford Focus with seized aircon - options?

Red Alert

I've got a '00 1.6 Petrol Ford Focus that (unfortunately) has air conditioning.

The a/c compressor was leaking fluid for the past week or so, and I was planning to get it dealt with next week. However, things took a turn for the worse this morning.

I'd just pulled out of parking space in town, when all of a sudden I lost power steering and the alternator warning light lit up. Temperature was also sky-high. Turns out the auxiliary belt had snapped, which I'm suspecting was caused by the a/c compressor seizing. The car's now on it's way to the garage but I was wondering what my options are:

The a/c supposedly could cost quite a bit to replace. I was wondering if it's possible to have it easily removed or isolated instead, seen as I hardly ever use it? I'm guessing that the other auxiliaries are arranged the same on other cars with just a different drive belt, or am I really clutching at straws?

DaveJac

if you dont use it take it out altogether, just remove the pump and you may have to get some a new shorter fan belt

joewicklow

The air con compressor should have a clutch. As long as you dont turn it on the pulley will turn but wont engage the compressor.
(or you could go for the smaller belt as mentioned above)