Oscillating drone from engine at idle

[keaunym]

I'll check but I read if there are problems with the clutch, the A/C wouldn't blow cold air properly. It works fine.

I wrote "bearing". Your noise cycling is very similar to A/C cycling, noise is a typical failing bearing noise.

Got ya! Okay, so I'll look to see if it is turning when the sound is present and if it stops when it stops. This probably explains it!

Thanks!

[keaunym]

Indeed, just had a chance to pop the hood again and take a look. The sound completely comes and goes based on when the clutch engages. I took another video although for some reason this time the low end reverberation sound isn't picked up well by the camera. What is apparent though in the video is that the serpentine belt is vibrating big time like a bass string when the clutch engages and the sound is present.
An earlier video with the engine cold doesn't show much vibration but instead you can hear the chatter coming from the compressor I believe contributing to the purring sound.

Vtl, What needs to be replaced in your opinion?

[vtl]

Replace at least the bearing which has failed. I'd also replace serpentine belt, because if it snaps it may get under timing belt and ruin engine (almost happened to me).

[keaunym]

Replace at least the bearing which has failed. I'd also replace serpentine belt, because if it snaps it may get under timing belt and ruin engine (almost happened to me).

Thanks vtl. Is the bearing contained within the clutch so if I were to replace the clutch as a whole this would solve my problem?
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... h-30733820

I know the clutch is much more expensive than just the bearing but 1.) it seems like it might be a much bigger hassle to replace just the bearing (from another thread I read) and 2.) it seems these clutches need reshimming after a while anyway.

[vtl]

Yes, bearing is inside solenoid clutch. Make sure you did a proper diagnosis prior spending $300 on a part you may not need.

[keaunym]

When an independent Volvo mechanic (who specializes only in these cars) says to me that if the AC clutch bearing is bad the whole AC compressor has to be replaced, what could be the reasoning behind this?

[vtl]

He wants your money.

[keaunym]

Replacing the clutch only is definitely DIY for me so I'm good there. $300 sure beats $1200+. Any other pulleys worth replacing while I'm in there that are relatively cheap?

[vtl]

Depends on how much money you want to spend at once Nothing is really supposed to fail at this age in this area, but you can preventively replace serpentine belt and its tensioner (or just the pulley w/ bearing).