04 Volvo C70 : A/C Clutch Shim Fix - Missing Rubber bumper!

[purplecat001]

Re: 04 Volvo C70 : A/C Clutch Shim Fix - missing rubber bumper
I have scoured the internet looking for someone with this same issue to no avail.

I was on my way to "ghetto" shimming the clutch for now until I can get around to a more formal fix, only to find that when I jacked the car up to get a good view of what I thought I saw looking into the bay, I was correct and irate. One of the three rubber bumpers is just missing, the other 2 are not in firm shape and seem to be barely hanging in there.

Since day one of having this car I have been pushed backwards with jobs that should take 1 hour to being 3 day affairs. I have never had occur this with any other car. I have VADIS, I research, and I watch multiple youtube videos prior to any job I am unfamiliar with. It has become more and more obvious to me that the previous owner did not believe in maintenance and/or care. I love my car but am sick of her drama. I digress.

So the typical disengaging of the A/C clutch occurs, I've tested it and it's definitely the problem.
I read (please correct me if I am wrong) that the space between those rubber bumpers and the clutch face gap are the two factors that determine its ability to function properly - and gap as a whole, correct? What am I supposed to do with missing vacant spots and degrading rubber bumpers in the meantime? I need a very quick (and cheap) fix for now, so ANY ideas are greatly appreciated. I am desperate to put this part at least behind me by the night.

I've attached a pic to show what I am referring to.
(Photo of Clutch Plate altered but borrowed from: UN- Reinie)

[kahl]

I would try to use several of the bread bag things to make up for the missing shim. I would use some quick set adhesive to hold them together.

[oragex]

Indeed, just find a thicker piece of plastic that can fit in there and stay well in place - when the compressor runs, it will trow anything away if it's not well fixed.

I would start by putting the two bread shims then look how much gap is on the last one. The final gap must be uniform and very thin (but not nonexistent), I'd say two paper sheet thin.

[erikv11]

The rubber bumper only comes in contact when the clutch is worn enough to have a big gap that causes a fault. it is like a safety catch (but still leads to a gap that is too large).

Zip ties are easier to secure than bread clip shims, that is what I have been using. You can adjust the gap by changing the thickness of the zip tie, or adjusting where it sits on the face (in the groove vs not). I use 4 inch zip ties, like this:

[abscate]

Easy fix from junkyard parts, especially if up you get one of us from a non-ozone state that has intact rubber parts.

[purplecat001]

I want to thank everyone for such quick responses. I ended up having to deal with another issue that was more pressing.
So at this point, what I am debating between is: 1) zip ties or 2) find a new clutch plate with bumpers in tact.

[erikv11]

Pulling the clutch plate is a lot more work. I would suggest zip ties right now (of course I would ) while you look for a clutch plate and find the time to install it. The zip ties will get the AC working quickly. Pulling the clutch plate is a lot more work, it is tight in there and I have only ever done it with the compressor out of the car, plus you need to source one, etc.

When you do pull the clutch plate, you can adjust the gap properly, with the shims. Then you won't need the ghetto fix at all; I suspect you are already aware of this.

[purplecat001]

That I am, but welcome the input.
Today I will ziptie it and in the meantime figure out were to get a decent clutch plate for my car. Unfortunately the junk yards here doesn't get a lot of Volvo's of my type (not worth the drive and fee for the PYP anyhow) and the ones that do carry what I usually need always quote me pretty high on parts. So, as I did with the sunvisor, I will wait in the eBay shadows for awhile for a cheap match to pop up.
That is, unless anyone had a spare to sell

I'll post photos when done. Thanks again! Where would I be without this forum?!?!?!?!

[purplecat001]

So no photos quite yet. It was dark and I was tired, but went with the zip tie method and it seems to be working great. Today will be the true test.
As for the rubber bumper, just in case (because I am paranoid ) I picked up a grommet assortment pack from PepBys (pepboys.com/product/details/1146172/00603); I place a rubber grommet in the vacant hole, where one should have been, using I believe the smallest grommet. I bought it "just in case it came in handy. Fit perfect, size and all but now I am wondering if I should I have glued that down?
Again, thank you everyone for your input!

[regent]

By looking at the donut shape of the grommet - it has enough positive retention like it is, but if you insist, a tiny dab of some high-temp RTV should work nicely - just don't overdose...