Any way to check if A/C Compressor seized?

[macaulays]

Evening All,

Had my recently acquired '08 V70 2.4D in Kwik Fit the other day for a regas attempt as a/c not cooling however they said while it held pressure, it didn't chill so no charge, suspected compressor issue (they thought they could hear clutch engaging but not sure). I then happened to have it in the dealer a few days later for outer aux belts and tensioners being done as no record in the book and they mentioned there was no inner aux belt present at all. They suspected the a/c compressor has seized at some point and popped off the belt and said £1,000+ to replace.

While I would be quite happy to have a refurb/second hand unit fitted locally given the value of an '08 (if this isn't a false economy in terms of still paying all the labour and another one seizing if they have a short life expectancy!) I just wondered if there was any way of verifying (without removing and replacing) whether the compressor was indeed seized? Is there any chance the belt could have failed leaving a compressor there that was functional but not 'hooked up'? Just wondering if any chance a slightly cheaper repair might be worth investigating before replacing in entirety!

Any thoughts most welcome.

Sandy

[kenny]

The clutch on the compressor seizing on this model is a common issue, Volvo were aware of this and were known for fixing them even out of warranty but not at your age of car. A replacement should last so worth looking at. an aftermarket compressor and belt fitted by an air on specialist for about £500.

when these do seize the belt snaps and usually bursts the plastic covers and then the timing belt is pulling off killing the engine so do not be tempted to refit the belt. When mine failed I was lucky with just the compressor belt snapping.

[macaulays]

Thanks Kenny, that's helpful. If I was looking to pick up a replacement compressor, is there a particular type/make that I should avoid to try and duck a 'second seizing'?

Cheers,

Sandy

[Josh Wyatt]

I have a later model than you, a ‘12’ S80 D5. My air con compressor seized, luckily it only threw the belt and didn’t impact anything else luckily.
On my age of vehicle, the compressor is made by Sanden. I would have thought yours would be the same. I bought a brand new sanden compressor for £120, had it fitted with all new belts and tensioners and it’s all working!

Whilst a bit of hassle, take the sump guard off and look at the compressor, note down the part number and look on eBay. You may find new or used at a good price. If yours is a Sanden pxc16 as mine is, you can buy the compressor clutch/pulley separately for around £80. My old seized compressor was returned to me, when the new one replaced it. The old one has had the clutch and pulley replaced and is now in use on a ‘13’ V70 D5.

[kenny]

Originally Posted by macaulays

Thanks Kenny, that's helpful. If I was looking to pick up a replacement compressor, is there a particular type/make that I should avoid to try and duck a 'second seizing'?

Cheers,

Sandy

I just got a local guy that does all the main dealers work around Edinburgh to do mine, didn’t pay attention to the make. He got the compressor and drier and I got the new belt. It is a stretch on belt. Pretty sure he covers as far as Perth but if not you can head to him.

Stable Air-Conditioning (Dave)
Address:HILLWOOD COTTAGE Postcode/City:EH28 8LU Newbridge Edinburgh
0131 333 1980