V70 Air Con: Aircon not working - compressor?

[reggit]

Is this doable with the compressor on the car - I mean to do it properly rather than bodge it - and do I need any special tools?

[oragex]

Zip ties (perhaps the easier) and bread clips can be done without removing the compressor. Most will say it's very easy, I beg to differ a little, I don't like making things appear simpler than they are. The space is tight, lifting the springs is a little challenging. With some patience it can be done. It is good to crank the engine to bring up the next spring. The inserts must stay tight towards the perimeter or they will get ejected when the clutch will spin at speed. At the end the clutch must have about the same gap all around or it may start wearing prematurely.

[reggit]

Originally Posted by oragex

Zip ties (perhaps the easier) and bread clips can be done without removing the compressor. Most will say it's very easy, I beg to differ a little, I don't like making things appear simpler than they are. The space is tight, lifting the springs is a little challenging. With some patience it can be done. It is good to crank the engine to bring up the next spring. The inserts must stay tight towards the perimeter or they will get ejected when the clutch will spin at speed. At the end the clutch must have about the same gap all around or it may start wearing prematurely.

Was just going to take it apart and shim it properly.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by reggit

I mean to do it properly rather than bodge it - and do I need any special tools?

My free clutch gap bodge has lasted 3 years so far and will no doubt continue to do the same.

I haven't read anything from you to suggest the clutch gap is the problem though or have I missed something?

[reggit]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

My free clutch gap bodge has lasted 3 years so far and will no doubt continue to do the same.

I haven't read anything from you to suggest the clutch gap is the problem though or have I missed something?

a few posts up, the gap is too wide

If you use tie wraps, I assume that stops the compressor disengaging?

[ThomasG]

Yes, if you use too big zipties

That's why I went for smallest available at toolstation.

Forgot to add before:
I took out aux belt in order to turn the compressor and get to next spring.

Just jam flat screwdriver under the spring, with long nose pliers feed zipties underneath, "zip" the ziptie fully, cut off the end, pull out screwdriver, turn the compressor for next spring.

Yes, it is tight there.

[reggit]

Thanks,

I'm not a real big fan of aircon, got it's uses when it's very hot or damp. Therefore mine is quite often off with a window open.

I'll probably shim the pump up properly in time.

[oragex]

It,s a bit of a hassle to pull the clutch plate and even to press it back on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAGDkwYSFY4

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by reggit

If you use tie wraps, I assume that stops the compressor disengaging?

You take feeler gauge measurements before and after to ensure the fit is just right for engagement and disengagement.

My video here shows you how I did mine.
Rotating the clutch plate is straightforward as the engine is off so the clutch plate is independent of the main pulley and auxiliary belt. .
Just push the plate round with the screwdriver.

P.S.
Leave your ac on Auto. It's designed that way and the compressor isn't actually on anywhere as much as you'd think it is.

[reggit]

That's a great video thanks - now I understand what the zip-ties are doing in some of the threads. :-) Think I'll be doing this at weekend.