Replacing A/C condenser - who is OEM?

Post by **vtl** » 11 Apr 2016, 08:49

Receiver drier in my 2005 XC70 developed a leak. I want to replace it together with a condenser, which saw too many rocks in its life and may start leaking any time. According to VIDA and my chassis number, I need p/n 31267200, which will cost me $450-500. This hits into price range where I prefer to find an alternative.

So the question: who is making those condensers? I think it might be Valeo, but not totally sure, since it's not readily available on the Net. Anyone replaced his condenser on 2005+ and saw the label on the bottom?

Post by **JRL** » 11 Apr 2016, 09:22

Like the drier, it really doesn't matter as long as the one you buy is decent.
It's only a radiator

Post by **vtl** » 13 Apr 2016, 14:58

Is it possible to check evaporator for leaks without taking the whole dashboard out? I see UV dye on receiver drier, but want to double check that the evaporator is good.

Post by **oragex** » 13 Apr 2016, 17:02

I think you can see the side of it from the drivers side, if there is a leak, it might show at the bottom of the plastic case

philmech · Post by **philmech** » 08 Jul 2017, 08:47

VTL

I also have a 2005 XC70 with leaking condenser. My leak is at the top just below the dryer high pressure port. After filling with R134a and A/C running, under blacklight was able to see a small leak. Every 10 seconds or so a small burp of oil/dye will show up.
I've read another typical failure with these A/C systems is the A/C clutch losing magnetic force when hot. So while the system is open, I plan to replace the compressor at the same time.

Back to your original question, I don't know who makes the OEM A/C parts for volvo. My position on parts is if there is question on fitment/quality, I tend to go with Volvo replacements.

I will plan on ordering parts next week and will update this post following my repair experience.

Phil

Post by **vtl** » 08 Jul 2017, 08:54

Original is Valeo. I first tried to put Behr, but it was made in China, and made so badly, that I was not able to connect pipes flush with the condenser. Sent it back, got another Chinese condenser - Nissens. It sat flush, but the hole on the driver's side was 0.6 mm off. Solved that with the drill, but next time I'll get Volvo, too much hassle with this Chinese cr*p. Valeo served well for 10+ years.

Why you want to replace compressor? Remove the clutch, it has couple of shims inside. Take one out, that will reduce gap.

XCMat · Post by **XCMat** » 25 Nov 2019, 16:33

Here's an update to my update on this thread... the OE for my '02 V70 XC is Valeo, so I spent a little extra (okay double) on another Valeo over the Behr, but I was after quality so I didn't mind. Both brands are sold as the dealer recommended part number 30676602 (ref. FCPEuro.com). Note the Valeo part number is 818159 as shown in the picture.

At first I was baffled by the angle of the dryer (see picture) but I think it may have gotten bent during shipping. The packaging was absolutely minimal. I removed the dryer and bent the welded bracket towards the rear to match the angle of the original part. Note also that ALL the spring nuts were installed backwards. Not a big deal but, in my mind, it speaks to the diminishing quality of Valeo.

: Condenser 002.JPG (109.29 KiB) Viewed 1951 times