2010 V70 Air Con Problem

[V70Zig]

If you have the ability to read live data I'd suggest monitoring the a/c pressure whilst on a run. I used Vida on a laptop, not sure if any of the phone apps can.
Mine was giving out random high and low readings, both of which will stop it from working.

New pressure sensor and hey presto working as it should.

You need monitor the live data to be sure it's that. The sensor is on a schrader valve so no need to empty the system.

Hope this helps, but may not be your issue.

[callisr]

Just thought I would report back after finally getting my car booked in and looked at.
The long and short of it is a new compressor has returned my AC to being almost too cold!
After it was fitted, it made me realised how bad my system was. In fact, having owned the car for over a year, I'm certain that my AC has never worked anywhere near well!

I wish I could have reported a cheap fix that could have helped someone but alas, this time it's not to be!

Now I'm off to grovel to the holder of the purse strings and apologise for spending a considerable amount of money at a time when its probably inappropriate!!

Rich

[Jam Sandwich]

Wondering if anyone has managed this on a D5 V70?

Can you get a clutch tool (e.g. slotted spatula type) onto the clutch to stop it spinning?
Can you get a puller tool on and is there a recommended tool?

@Tony Rama , did you manage to do it without removing the belt?

The access on the D5 is pretty bad (see pic) so looking for any tips and wondering if paying someone will be cheaper/quicker/safer than adding to my collection of 'single use' tools.

[Tony Rama]

Originally Posted by Jam Sandwich

Wondering if anyone has managed this on a D5 V70?

Can you get a clutch tool (e.g. slotted spatula type) onto the clutch to stop it spinning?
Can you get a puller tool on and is there a recommended tool?

@Tony Rama , did you manage to do it without removing the belt?

The access on the D5 is pretty bad (see pic) so looking for any tips and wondering if paying someone will be cheaper/quicker/safer than adding to my collection of 'single use' tools.

In the end, a faulty compressor was diagnosed and I caved in to getting it professionally replaced at a mere £800!

[Jam Sandwich]

Just dropping back in with a partial update on this.

Background summary –
Air con became intermittent (worked 80% of time and worse when outside temp and/o engine temp high). General tidy up done, including cabin air filter (what a faff – bad enough in a RHD but extra in an ex-police wagon – ask for pics if you like pain 😉 ). Full air-con service done by professional – no issues with compressor, leaks etc.. (cabin air sensor open circuit but that’s another police thing – again another story).
Checked the clutch gap – it’s >7mm so I’m convinced it’s this. (if the clutch engages the air is sub-zero). Not convinced I can get at it with the tools and lifting that I have so checked in here.

Update –
Took the car to a Volvo specialist for a service and asked if he could see a way of getting the clutch rotor out. He couldn’t. Apparently, there may be enough play on the hoses (again, apparently, they’re flexible on this model) but it’s not certain that it would be possible to lock the rotor in place to pull off the clutch.
His view is that a dealer would just do a compressor replacement (£800 for the more common type with the circular springs (like a cloverleaf) but this is one with fingers so could be more) without checking the clutch.
Plan –
The car’s back on the road for now. When I get a bit more time, I’ll do a bit more investigation e.g. whether it’s worth replacing the clutch while it’s off rather than just re-shimming it (looks like a new clutch is about £80 pattern-part or £150 genuine).
or
The other option – to discuss with the air-con man – is for him to de-gas the system then the volvo chap to take off the compressor and adjust the shims (or replace the clutch) then re-gas afterwards.

So -
For now, it’s getting cold so the air con is behaving.
I’ll update as and when.

Thanks again to all for the input so far

[XC70Virgin]

My comp bearings were knackered and I decided to just replace the compressor. I found and bought a cheapo on 'Net and got a local A/C guy to recharge it. (System was empty as the condenser had a hole in it too). Getting it on and off on a D5 is handy enough from underneath. Replace stretch the belt at the same time.

Worked fine until I sold the D5 during the summer.