AC Compressor Rattle

Charsiufan · Post by **Charsiufan** » 22 Mar 2019, 05:07

My AC Compressor has a nasty rattle. Volvo said the bearings might be going but it should last for now.

I noticed when doing an oil change recently the securing bolt for the compressor was sticking out and was completely loose (pic 1). Whilst under the car I found a second similar bolt in the lower plastic valance (pic 2). I am guessing this is the reason for the rattle!

I tried to do up the first bolt (12mm spanner) but it sticks out 20mm or so when fully tightened (pic 3). Is this normal?

I cannot see how to get to insert the second bolt either from above or below - let alone how to tighten it up. Do I need to remove anything to get access? As you can guess I am not too familiar with the XC90.

Thanks!

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2019, 06:19

I don't know the XC90 well but if its the same mount style as the P2, starting in about 1999, you probably have to loosen the top mount bolts to make sure the bottom ones get seated right into the engine mount.

Both those bolt heads should go flush to the AC compressor frame, correct

I think that is the cause of the rattle too.

wanderdüne · Post by **wanderdüne** » 22 Mar 2019, 08:28

Is it possible that there are the thread remnants of a broken screw in the hole, not allowing the screw to fully seat? You could measure the hole depth with a piece of wire or similar, then measure the length of the screw to see if it matches.

Charsiufan · Post by **Charsiufan** » 22 Mar 2019, 09:32

Thanks, the wire is a good idea. Can check to see if anything in the bolt hole.

Any clues how to get access so I can get the second bolt in?

Post by **oragex** » 22 Mar 2019, 15:15

These bolts usually get stuck in there, I recommend either order them from Volvo or get a few from the junkyard

My guess is PO put the wrong length of bolt in there. These two bottom of the compressor bolts are similar with the two upper ones front alternator ones, but may be shorter. To remove or insert the right compressor bolt near the center of the car, loosen up completely both of them, toss the compressor a little to make an angle, insert the bolt into the compressor bracket then put the compressor back in its place. This way should work, otherwise the right bolt gets blocked by the radiator fan unit.

If the compressor pulley rattles, the bearing is shot www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAGDkwYSFY4

Charsiufan · Post by **Charsiufan** » 22 Mar 2019, 21:42

Hi, who is PO? This car was bought new from Volvo. I can't get to the second bolt hole. Do you attempt it from under the car?

Post by **abscate** » 31 Mar 2019, 18:59

PO is internet speak for Previous Owner

Sorry about that, we like acronyms in America

Charsiufan · Post by **Charsiufan** » 01 Apr 2019, 02:43

Hi Abscate, thanks makes sense now.

The car was bought from new and the rattle started maybe 18 to 24 months after purchase.

Post by **ggleavitt** » 01 Apr 2019, 08:11

As a point of reference, attachment bolts (4) are all the same size- M8x120 per VIDA.