Risks of not replacing a failing AC compressor?

[bixgomez]

Hey folks!

I am the mostly happy owner of a 2008 XC70. It has gotten me through two unpredictable winters better than I could have imagined!

But it is in need of a new AC compressor, or so I am told by my mechanic. The AC blows cold enough, but its motor makes quite a racket.

I'll be taking a pretty long trip later this summer into what could be extreme heat, so I am concerned.

My question is: what are the risks (aside from "no AC") of letting this repair slide? It's a $1200+ job, so it's at a price point where I tend to let things go until they ultimately fail.

If this should fail while on the road, what could happen? Would it damage the car's engine? Ruin its serpentine belt? Anything else?

Thanks for any help or advice!

Richard

[abscate]

If it only makes noise engaged , then you can risk the trip. If the clutch bearing is going it can fail even turned off.

Probably a $250 part , 4 hour DIY