A/C Compressor Swap, PAG Oil, Drier, 2005 V70

APAudVid · Post by **APAudVid** » 04 Oct 2017, 13:05

Hey Folks, been looking around for a while, first post to this forum.
I've got a non-turbo 2005 V70 2.4

This weekend (maybe the next) I'll be swapping out my A/C compressor. From the looks of things, it seems like the only thing out of the ordinary to do is pull the top radiator hose, as to clear the way for the power steering pump and alternator, before reaching down to the A/C compressor.

I've found a ton of other (sometimes misguided) information on this, yet I still have a few specific questions. Hope you can help.

First, is my thinking correct in regards to pulling the compressor? Should I disconnect the (thread clamp) hose on the steering pump?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Second, PAG Oil (and amount)... This is a remanufactured A/C compressor. It seems that when I go to the reman's website, (and almost every other re-manufacture's websites), almost all the time they are specifying PAG 46... Every time I look at a Volvo spec, I'm almost always looking at PAG 100... Is this to encourage me to put in a thinner oil so it breaks faster??? The reman is spec'ing 6.75 ounces. Is this with or without an accumulator / drier swap? I'm guessing that since there's no "fill port" I just put the oil in the ports of the compressor before installing???

Lastly, in regards to the accumulator / drier, every time I try pulling up those parts for my car on the web (a non-turbo 2005 V70 2.4) I get listings for an accumulator that looks like a can, AND one that looks like a tube with a high pressure port...
On mine, I can see the "can style" all the way down at the bottom, in the front, to the passengers side of the below the grill area...
So, is it one or the other or both? Very lastly, how hard is it to change???

I've done a few successful A/C compressor / accumulator swaps in the past, I have the tools, vacuum pump and gauges. I'm just really trying to do this as efficiently as possible.

And yes, we determined a front seal leak in my existing compressor.

Any other thoughts as well would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and thanks in advance everyone!

Post by **abscate** » 05 Oct 2017, 17:37

Welcome AP from the Peach State!!

Ive been elbows deep in a clutch job - but have the exact same car in Barents Blue.

Here is info on the 2005 AC system per VIDA

2005 V70 AC Compressor service .pdf: (789.02 KiB) Downloaded 969 times

Almost all Volvos use PAG46 but the safe way is to pull the part and brand off your compressor and match it with the manufacturing data

Post by **oragex** » 05 Oct 2017, 18:03

You can remove the radiator fan assembly, will give you quite a bit more space. Just two bolts at the top, then a bit of fiddling with the connectors.

This is how to recharge the system from the low side in case is needed
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=80941

APAudVid · Post by **APAudVid** » 07 Oct 2017, 22:24

Thanks for the replys so far!
(I hope your clutch job went well)
I read the PDF and gleaned that removing it from the bottom is recommended.
It might not work for me though. Between not being able to get the car high enough and post neck surgery, working from underneath might be out.
I really haven't seen much on the accumulator / drier, so I guess I'll be ok just swapping the compressor?
I'll make sure to pull a good vacuum though.
Also, I'll be going with PAG 46. (6.75 oz)
I guess just pour right into the high and low ports? and "stir" it in using the clutch / shaft?
Anyway, thanks again and thanks in advance!
And as always, any other thoughts and tips always appreciated!

Post by **abscate** » 08 Oct 2017, 07:22

Thats a lot of extra work to take it out from up top - Ive never done a P2 AC compressor so can't give you the details there.

If you havent lost a large amount of refrigerant quickly (Volvo spec is longer than 24 hours) then Volvo says you can assume most oil remains and just put the minimum into the compressor.

I think the pdf covers how to add it - although that might require Volvo tools

Post by **vtl** » 09 Oct 2017, 10:51

APAudVid wrote: ↑07 Oct 2017, 22:24
I really haven't seen much on the accumulator / drier, so I guess I'll be ok just swapping the compressor?

Not ok. Open A/C system -> replace drier. Cheap warrant you won't have to discharge/recharge A/C later for the drier.

APAudVid · Post by **APAudVid** » 10 Oct 2017, 21:29

Ok-Thanks for the straightforward replys thus far.
I'll take the compressor out from the bottom. I'll be using a set of car ramps.
Now, any advice or docs for removing the drier / accumulator???
Thanks again and thanks in advance!

Post by **vtl** » 10 Oct 2017, 21:38

Going through under would be a pain.

You need to remove bumper and metal plate holding hood, horns and radiators for the drier, see that vertical tube attached to the radiator?

It looks more difficult than it truly is. Maybe 20-30 minutes if you do it for the first time.

Once you get there, you'll already clear enough room to remove compressor from above.

Post by **jimmy57** » 10 Oct 2017, 22:27

2005 is the year that the separate rec-drier was phased out and the slender one more integrated to condenser was introduced. It would not have both.
Spread the oil around. Too much in compressor is not healthy as too much can get in one cylinder and is not compressible. You can split it between rec-drier and compressor. Then split it in compressor between suction an discharge ports. Unless you think the frt seal lost a lot of oil then you don't need the empty system 6.75 oz. The compressor is about 2.5 oz and rec-drier would have 2 oz. You can pour out and measure what comes out of the two parts and get guidance there too. Beyond the amount needed is not better and can decrease cooling a bit and can cause harsh start when compressor kicks on. That car has compressor clearing as they know with low mounting that oil accumulation can be a problem (the compressor turns a few rounds while starter runs before engine starts).

Why reman? Nissen new is $225 range.

APAudVid · Post by **APAudVid** » 12 Oct 2017, 21:21

My wife is going to kill me!!! Her seeing the car like that may trip her out....
I guess the bright side of taking the whole front clip off is I'll finally be able to change the tiny day bulb located in the drivers side headlamp!
I looked and I found the accumulator can as pictured. (not the slender type)
Why reman? I already bought it (from a good, solid seller).
Any advice (or PDF) on removing the front clip???
Thanks
Adam