2008 XC70 Air-conditioning compressor noise

rollingon · Post by **rollingon** » 29 Sep 2014, 16:19

Hello. There is a noise in my 2008 XC70, that has been getting steadily more obvious, that appears to be coming from the air-conditioning compressor. My initial fear was that the noise was coming from the transmission, as it sounds like a whine that increases and desreases with engine revs, however, I realised that it stopped when I turned the A/C off. It isn't the fan as the noise doesn't happen when the fan is running without the A/C.

Does anyone know why the A/C in the car would be making this noise? Due to the change in pitch with revs, and therefore the pulley/belt, my sense is that it is coming from the compressor. Does this seem right, and why would it be happening? Is it possible that the compressor simply needs to be recharged, or am I looking at having to replace it.

Any input and suggestions welcome.

Thank you.

2008XC70 · Post by **2008XC70** » 22 Dec 2014, 17:00

Did you ever get this fixed? Mine has started making a noise too. It almost sounds like the same noise that a power steering pump makes when its low on fluid.

Could be a clutch issue? Or low lubricant in the pump?

2008XC70 · Post by **2008XC70** » 22 Dec 2014, 17:04

Someone made a video, mine sounds similar but not nearly as bad.

bobjet · Post by **bobjet** » 17 Jan 2018, 10:19

I've got a similar issue with the same car. I'd love to hear that I could just replace the AC clutch and bearing. What did you all do to fix the issue? I'm about to replace the serpentine belt so I'm formulating my "plan" to solve all this as economically as possible while replacing all the recommended do dads. There's a guide here in the forum that I plan to follow that is just stellar.

Post by **pierremcalpine** » 19 Jan 2018, 05:41

When I did my serpentine belt I asked the dealer whether I should do any other work while I was in there. They suggested doing the ac clutch as they had seen these fail in and around 180-200k km’s. they said that they fail and when they do they take the compressor out too. Based on their advice I did replace the clutch.

I would be inclined to start with the clutch and see where you land. You will have to do that anyway. If you have caught the issue in time you are all good. If not time for a new compressor.

Not sure if this helps you. Good luck keep us posted.

cbdbcbdb · Post by **cbdbcbdb** » 16 Jul 2021, 13:47

It's been a while. What did you end up doing?

Thanks.

Vuzetastic · Post by **Vuzetastic** » 11 Aug 2021, 13:03

My V70 D3 -11 started having this "growling" sound with the engine revs and only if the AC was on.
Ive since swapped my bearing inside the AC Clutch and in the process also swapped the Multibelt and Ac belt.
The issue remains sadly... i guess its internally in the compressor? is there a bearing in there aswell?

p.s the AC gas/oil was filled by a workshop before i did these fixes.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Sep 2021, 09:58

For a P2 the complete AC compressr plus clutch can be had for ...

$200 in Nissens (reputable)

$400 Valeo OE brand for Volvo

$600 for Volvo blue box with Valeo inside.

My recommendation - For $200 just replace both with the Nissens unit

rcannon · Post by **rcannon** » 23 Sep 2021, 07:59

I've been having the same noise, as described above like low oil in power steering. It starts a little while after the a/c is on. I turn off a/c and it instantly goes away, so it's not the belt or idler or clutch. It's definitely a pump sound. The a/c comp is brand new and the noise is still there. It goes away after things are warmed up. I turn a/c off and on a few times in the meantime. Could oil level be low in compressor? Or maybe it is the filter in the line plugged up, preventing sufficient flow. This could cause excessive pressure in the outlet of the pump, causing it to complain. Maybe when it warms up the fluid is thinner and it flows through the filter easier. The pump had been replaced once when I got the car, so maybe they left some debris in the system. I did the same thing. I have no way of measuring the pump outlet pressure. Guess I need a gage set. I have an old R12 one, can probably adapt it to work.

Larryf · Post by **Larryf** » 25 Nov 2021, 15:15

Whining a/c compressor 2009 xc70 Has anyone changed the pressure valve in the compressor. This was my dealer diagnosis for$800. I bought one online and going to have my A/C evacuate and replace the valve for $150. I’ll let you know !!!