2015 Xc60 A/c worrying whirring noise! Poss ac compressor?

[Username11]

Hello! First Post so please be kind!

I have a 2015 xc60, D4 Awd 48500miles, which has developed a weird intermittent "whir" sound that I've linked to the air con as it stops when I turn off the ac (but not the fan if that makes sense?) I usually only hear it when travelling at low speed, or sitting in slow traffic. The noise lasts a few seconds and sometimes stops and restarts a few times (5 or 6) before disappearing. It cannot be produced at will when a mechanic is within spitting distance of course.

Google and YouTube seem to lead me to think its the ac compressor or bearings /pulleys to do with it. (Forgive me but I'm not great with anything under the bonnet!!..) It seems to be an expensive fix if that's the case.

So, my questions are : if it is the ac compressor on it's way out will it do damage if it does go? Is it safe to drive? Should I try to get it repaired or deal with it when (if) it goes? Can it be diagnosed easily?

Any suggestions /help gratefully received. Thank you in advance!

[dgunthor]

is the ac working ok?

sounds like it might just be the compressor kicking in and out as the ac is being used.

have you had the system re-gassed at all?
do you use the aircon every month even in winter? (that keeps the seals lubricated)

[Username11]

Originally Posted by dgunthor

is the ac working ok?

sounds like it might just be the compressor kicking in and out as the ac is being used.

have you had the system re-gassed at all?
do you use the aircon every month even in winter? (that keeps the seals lubricated)

Thanks for your reply :

The ac is working OK - plenty of cold air.

Not had the system re-gassed.

Afraid I don't use aircon in winter, just leave the auto on.

[Spike56]

My S60 has this or a similar noise. Totally related to the a/c being on. It is less obvious with a/c alone and more obvious with climate control on ( a/c runs on more on climate?) Volvo have checked and say there is nothing wrong and it's just chattering and setting up a vibration somewhere. Something like those odd noises that you only hear when the radio is playing and disappear when you turn the radio down! Those so called intermittent faults that mechanics never find but you hear all the time

[Username11]

Originally Posted by Spike56

My S60 has this or a similar noise. Totally related to the a/c being on. It is less obvious with a/c alone and more obvious with climate control on ( a/c runs on more on climate?) Volvo have checked and say there is nothing wrong and it's just chattering and setting up a vibration somewhere. Something like those odd noises that you only hear when the radio is playing and disappear when you turn the radio down! Those so called intermittent faults that mechanics never find but you hear all the time

Thank you! That's reassuring!

[jasmith44]

See post by SJP99.

[Username11]

Originally Posted by jasmith44

See post by SJP99.

Ooh! Thank you. Much more like my issue. No whine with mine but a low growl /whir fits the description.

Just glad to know it's a problem that doesn't seem to be damaging to leave. But also there's a possible solution. Will see if I can source that part....

[piotrek]

New AC pipe with integrated muffler will solve this issue - Technical Journal TJ29474 from 2015
https://www.volvotechinfo.com/index....2015-11-02.pdf