1999 V70 noisy AC compressor

thomas1984 · Post by **thomas1984** » 24 Aug 2022, 02:45

I'm looking for advice. There i a leak somewhere and the AC system is low on refrigerent. I am trying to find out if I only need to replace the magnetic clutch or the entire AC compressor.

I had the car at a service shop a couple of weeks ago and they notified me the AC compressor was noisy. The AC compressor hade this noise during operation when there was refrigerent in the AC system.

I have removed the belt and tried to spin the clutch assembly. It did rotate, without making any noise. However I am not sure exactly how freely it should rotate. This would leave out a worn bushing, right?

I have recorded a video of the noise it makes. Perhaps someone can give me some input if the clutch or compressor must be changed.

Post by **abscate** » 24 Aug 2022, 05:32

It doesn’t sound like either is bad. They usually develop leaks in the evaporator, buried in the dashboard. A lot of stupid labor to get that out but a $100 part.

Post by **rguzz** » 24 Aug 2022, 11:26

That sounds pretty "normal" to me as well, ie, sounds like mine which is fine. Track down the leak assuming there is one. Easy enough to do.

thomas1984 · Post by **thomas1984** » 25 Aug 2022, 12:00

Thank you for the input. I will refill the AC system for now as the car will be used for a long trip and schedule an AC service later to find the leak.

Post by **scot850** » 25 Aug 2022, 18:16

Have a dye introduced with a refill. It will help find the source of the issue. To check the evaporator, you will have to remove either the fan motor or better the resistor 'pack' to the left of it. That way with a small mirror you can see most of the front of the evaporator.

Neil.

thomas1984 · Post by **thomas1984** » 25 Aug 2022, 23:50

Much appreciated, thank you all.