A/C major breakdown

DawnK31 · Post by **DawnK31** » 22 Jul 2013, 11:19

Hi Everyone,

First let me say, I am always grateful for the great advice I have received on this forum. I have always been able to get my problems solved and questions answered.

Now on to the issue...
I have a 2000 S70. Last year the A/C went warm, I recharged and everything was great. Same problem these year, recharged and A/C only last a couple of days. Then when I turned the car on, I intermittently started getting this grinding, crunching noise.

Finally, on Saturday morning, I drove about 40 miles and when I turned the car off, I noticed it was smoking (never good). I popped the trunk and my serpentine belt came flying off, which had just been replaced. Had the car towed to the mechanic and he just called to say it needs a new A/C compressor which is the reason the belt broke. He said it is going to be around $1200 dollars, which is not going to happen.

I need to replace the A/C compressor and trade this car in for something else. It also is going to need some brake work and at 13 years old, I am not sure it is the wisest investment of my money. Any tips of replacing it, would be great. I am thinking that purchasing a rebuilt compressor is my best bet.

Thanks everyone,
D.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Jul 2013, 11:32

My local Pick N Pull sells used compressors for $30.00 which will correct the issue with the locked up compressor. You may need a new evaporator if things are leaking as quickly as you describe and that is a big job. The entire dash needs to be removed from the car to get to the evaporator.

My bet is that the compressor itself is likely OK but the clutch bearing went bad but then again I can't actually see the car. If the compressor really did lock up internally then the system has been contaminated with shrapnel from internal parts on the compressor and the system will need to be flushed. You can't really adequately flush the condenser coil due to its design and it will need to be replaced as well. If the clutch is bad that is much less of a big deal but the underlying leak may be a big deal.

...Lee

DawnK31 · Post by **DawnK31** » 22 Jul 2013, 11:48

Thanks Lee,

This sounds like a big fat mess! Can I replace the compressor and condenser coil and then take the car somewhere to have the A/C system flushed and refilled? That sounds a lot cheaper.

Also, what is a pick n pull? 30 bucks sounds a lot better than the upwards of $250 I have been finding.

Thanks,
Dawn

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Jul 2013, 14:14

A Pick N Pull is a "do it yourself" junk yard. They have the cars there but you bring your own tools and pull off what you need. The inventory at any given time can be lean depending on what part of the country you are in and how common Volvos are in your area. Used compressors are a bit more expensive at a traditional junk yard but you don't need to fool with getting it off of the donor car and for the most part the salvage yard guys know what part will fit which models, even if it didn't come off of the same year or even model as your car.

The good part of a Pick N Pull is that you get to figure out how things come apart before you tackle the job on your car so it is somewhat of a learning experience.

Even if you were to buy a rebuilt compressor and install it yourself you could then have a shop pull the vacuum on the system and recharge it for you - even Jiffy Lube will do that job.

If the pulley on the compressor won't turn or it takes a lot of force to turn it without the belt being on then it is indeed the clutch bearing that went bad and things get easier for you.

...Lee

DawnK31 · Post by **DawnK31** » 22 Jul 2013, 16:22

Thank you. The car will be back from the mechanic tomorrow and I will be able to figure out exactly what it needs.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Jul 2013, 16:47

I believe there is a solution where you buy a shorter belt, and run it to to your alternator and power steering pump, and bypass the AC compressor.

You dont get AC this way, of course, but by September on the Cape you wont need it

At least you can get the car back on the road and think about your options while still getting around. Would be driveable/sellable - especially up in ME where they dont know what AC is..

Dawn - before you spend any $$$ on your AC be aware its most probable your leak is in the evaporator core, under the dash. Its a big labour job - 10 hours all told, and a 100 USD part. For compressor, condenser, and evaporator your parts bill alone will be about 600 USD.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Jul 2013, 17:36

I need to look at the routing on my XC. The belt on a 1999/2000 is double sided and the routing is quite a bit different than the standard 850 or '98 70 series. VADIS calls out a belt for cars without A/C (part number 9471981) but the routing diagram on the page is the same as the car with A/C.

The alternator for the 1999/2000 is weird as well, it only operates rotating in one direction and clutches in the other direction, so the rotation direction would need to remain the same in both configurations.

...Lee

DawnK31 · Post by **DawnK31** » 25 Jul 2013, 08:34

That is pretty much the quote we got was for $1200 to repair the entire system. I am going to let the car sit for a week or so and wait for a friend of the family to see what he can do. It will be a lot less and then I am going to be forced to sell it. I can't keep putting money into it. Ironically, my brother said the exact same thing about the shorter belt! I may have to do that just to be able to get around.

Thanks for the info and the suggestions, much appreciated.
D.

abscate wrote:I believe there is a solution where you buy a shorter belt, and run it to to your alternator and power steering pump, and bypass the AC compressor.

You dont get AC this way, of course, but by September on the Cape you wont need it

At least you can get the car back on the road and think about your options while still getting around. Would be driveable/sellable - especially up in ME where they dont know what AC is..

Dawn - before you spend any $$$ on your AC be aware its most probable your leak is in the evaporator core, under the dash. Its a big labour job - 10 hours all told, and a 100 USD part. For compressor, condenser, and evaporator your parts bill alone will be about 600 USD.

Post by **abscate** » 25 Jul 2013, 08:48

The no-AC patch up is cheap, and will give you wheels until May 2014. Thats about another 300x9= 2700 USD in the "next car kitty"

"-)

Post by **cn90** » 25 Jul 2013, 08:52

Actually on ebay you can find Zexel compressor (used) for $70-$100.
Just make sure you buy a compressor from a car with less than 100K miles.

Search ebay using keyword "2000 Volvo Zexel" etc.