About Roger Patricio Expertise Can answer all Volvo car questions. European and Canada spec cars are different but I can try to help you.
Experience I am a Certified Volvo Tech at in Independent Volvo Repair shop. I grew up around Volvos and decided I wanted to do it professionally. I worked at the dealer for about a year then I went to work at an Independent shop which I have been with for 10 years.
Question I own a 99 volvo s70 and based on what I have read in multiple forums it sounds like the compressor clutch is going bad. The A/C currently blows cold for about 5-10 minutes, then does not blow cold anymore. I can turn off the AC for a while and then the AC sometimes works again. I read that I could go under the car and tap the clutch to see if it engages and sure enough it engaged and the air began to blow cold. I understand that the true problem is the clutch itself but I have read that it is better to replace the compressor as it will save money in the long run.
My question is if this is a project that I can do myself? I consider myself a Do-It-Yourselfer but only lightly experienced in auto repair. However, I am usually very good at figuring things out so I am not afraid to give it a shot. The problem is that I may not thoroughly understand the scope of the work. Will replacing the compressor require also replacing other parts (i.e. evaporator, emptying/refilling the system, etc.)?
I only plan on keeping the car for another year or so. Will it be more cost effective to just replace the clutch?
Are there any repair manuals that cover these replacements?
Thanks in advance!
Answer Freddie, if you are only going to keep the car another year, the cheaper solution is just to reshim the clutch. no need to replace entire clutch. To answer your question about the compressor, the only other component to change would be the accumulator. Roger
