1998 S70 AC compressor?

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 19 Jan 2024, 09:08

As you look at the engine from the side, is the compressor located at the lower right under the alternator? Complete dummy question but doe the serpentine belt move around it without the "belt guide" turning? It only turns when you engage the AC? (Seems that would create a lot of friction -- not?). Don't know if I have an issue or not -- car is running fine but just noticed this. -- thank you

edit -- I may as well go ahead and ask this so I have it stored. I replaced my belt years ago -- can't remember -- do you turn the tool CCW or CW to open it and how do you latch it open?

Post by **scot850** » 19 Jan 2024, 10:12

The compressor pulley should turn at all times. It has a clutch that is electrically operated to engage it. If yours is not turning you could break the serpentine belt which can also take out the timing belt. You are correct, the compressor on a 98 is beside the alternator and is run on the same belt.

Neil.

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 19 Jan 2024, 11:22

Damn. Not good. Does the entire compressor need to be replaced -- just saw something where the clutch can be replaced? I just replaced the timing belt and serpentine belt, water pump etc recently. I did hear a lot of clanging last week when I started in 15 degree weather. ?

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 19 Jan 2024, 11:27

I just got it from driving it so went out and checked, and the belt didn't seem hot or anything and very strong. EDIT -- this will mean replacing the entire compressor no doubt -- unless there is some sort of hack (or test) to get the pulley turning again? I absolutely NEVER use my AC in the summer.

Post by **scot850** » 20 Jan 2024, 08:29

The clutch may be stuck, but it is likely the alternator bearings that are bad. You may get away with replacing the bearings but it is not easy, but not impossible. You can bypass the compressor with a shorter belt. Volvo used to offer a belt hen AC was not fitted. A junkyard compressor is the way to go and you should replace the dryer at the same time.

Neil.

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 20 Jan 2024, 10:13

Thanks Neil. I have the shop do my work so will call Monday. I saw a YT video of this and he had a shorter belt routed where the alternator spinned in the opposite direction. ? -- not good ?

this one...?
https://www.ipdusa.com/products/8483/Au ... vo-9146844

Thanks for the info -- I never use the AC.

edit -- just thinking though that my service shop may not want to do it as it would be considered a "hack". will ask them though.

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 20 Jan 2024, 13:00

Ok..I'm kind of babbling here so let me just definitively ask. It's absolutely ok to use a shorter belt to bypass the compressor, even if it means spinning the alternator backwards? Guess it's fine because of images I see like this....

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/8483/11 ... -gallery-2

THANKS a great deal for the help.

Post by **scot850** » 20 Jan 2024, 16:52

The shop may have to do something with the alternator. I don't recall Volvo offering a different alternator but having always had P80's with AC and never having seen one without, I have no idea if they used different alternators.

The shop should know.

Good luck!

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Jan 2024, 02:19

mar601 wrote: ↑20 Jan 2024, 13:00 Ok..I'm kind of babbling here so let me just definitively ask. It's absolutely ok to use a shorter belt to bypass the compressor, even if it means spinning the alternator backwards? Guess it's fine because of images I see like this....

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/8483/11 ... -gallery-2

THANKS a great deal for the help.

This works on a -1992-1998 fine, go for it.

In 1999, the alternator pulley becomes freewheeling and you can no longer run it backwards as it won’t charge

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 21 Jan 2024, 09:12

OK ! THANK YOU. I'm an old fart at this point and if I can get the parts (belt and tensioner tool), I'm going to do it myself. A lot of fear driving the car like this so maybe I can do it in my driveway.

Just one more question --
Changing to the shorter belt won't require any sort of adjustment with the tensioner will it? Maybe stupid question as perhaps they can't be adjusted? Hopefully I can just slip in the new belt and that's it. -- again thanks much -- this forum has been helped so much over the years.

edit -- may as well ask this so I'll have it in mind. replaced my belt years ago but can't remember, do you turn the tool CCW or CW to open the tensioner and how do you latch it temporarily to keep it open?

will this tool work on 98 s70?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7 ... 0DER&psc=1
(photo not showing -- it's the CTA tools 1071 on Amazon.)