XC70: General Air Con compressor noise???

[al dm]

Hello everyone,

My son's 2011 XC70 D3 2WD has developed a kind of "shuddery/clattery" noise occasionally at idle. It seems to be synched with the air con kicking on/off.

It more noticeable from the outside - I was standing in the drive this afternoon and could hear it make the noise, then stop, then start and stop again.

I am pretty sure it is something to do with AC compressor, but would appreciate any input on diagnostics and potentially how to fix it.

Any ideas?

[Simmy]

yes it sounds like the aircon compressor clutch it may need re shimming or replacement check all belt pullys for noise or roughness if you find any worn pulleys its important to get them fixed asap or it may get expensive very quickly

[al dm]

Originally Posted by Simmy

yes it sounds like the aircon compressor clutch it may need re shimming or replacement check all belt pullys for noise or roughness if you find any worn pulleys its important to get them fixed asap or it may get expensive very quickly

Thanks. Any idea how easy it is as a DIY job?

[Simmy]

not really. a diy job as you need a puller to remove the clutch the shims are like very thin washers between the compressor and the clutch and are easily lost or mis placed as they can stick in the clutch unless your very competent its probably best left to an a/c specialist also access can be difficult .

[al dm]

Originally Posted by Simmy

not really. a diy job as you need a puller to remove the clutch the shims are like very thin washers between the compressor and the clutch and are easily lost or mis placed as they can stick in the clutch unless your very competent its probably best left to an a/c specialist also access can be difficult .

Fair enough. Thanks. Probably one of those "leave it alone" jobs then.

One other question though. Would you seek out a local independent Volvo garage (I have one), or an actual air conditioning specialist (will need to find one)?

[Andmurph]

My V70 D5 has a similarly noisy AC compressor. One Volvo specialist I have visited said they all do that, just leave it. The better one said that the bearings tend to go in the compressor. There are many threads on noisy AC with these cars, my plan is to find an AC specialist and seek their recommendations.

Mine sounds worse on overrun and sounds like gearbox whine. I’ve changed my gearbox oil twice before I noticed that turning off the AC stops the noise.

[Simmy]

worth remembering that if you have total aircon compressor failure it can take out the aux belt and possibly the cambelt as well .. very expensive. don't take chances with a fault that can end up with a totalled engine .

[GMcL]

I have a 2011 S60 D3, the compressor on mine failed, no cold air, the car would mist up horribly in winter to the extent moisture running down the inside of the windscreen.

Some cat litter in a Tupperware tub helped absorb some of the moisture.

Took it to an Aircon place who diagnosed the compressor then quoted me double what a Volvo specialist charged me using a genuine Volvo part.

New compressor and the car is back to cold air straight after startup. I was told the Aircon compressor failure on these cars is not uncommon.

[GrahamBrown1]

Originally Posted by Andmurph

My V70 D5 has a similarly noisy AC compressor. One Volvo specialist I have visited said they all do that, just leave it. The better one said that the bearings tend to go in the compressor. There are many threads on noisy AC with these cars, my plan is to find an AC specialist and seek their recommendations.

Mine sounds worse on overrun and sounds like gearbox whine. I’ve changed my gearbox oil twice before I noticed that turning off the AC stops the noise.

I posted a thread regarding AC noise, I finally fixed it and car has been silent ever since. New silencer pipe and correct gas and oil amount was final cure. The noise it made would have you thinking the compressor bearings were about to come say hello.

[al dm]

Originally Posted by GrahamBrown1

I posted a thread regarding AC noise, I finally fixed it and car has been silent ever since. New silencer pipe and correct gas and oil amount was final cure. The noise it made would have you thinking the compressor bearings were about to come say hello.

This is all good food for thought. I have now located a nearby car AC specialist and will give them a call. My son can take the car over to them and hopefully they can tell him what's what....