The engine on my 850 turbo (90k miles) has been making a whirring sound that has been traced to a bad A/C compressor clutch bearing. This doesn't cause any drivability problems, just an annoying sound. The cost to replace this clutch is $520 and the compressor is close to $700. I don't even use the A/C and am willing to live without it, so I'd rather not spend the money. I'm told I can't simply disconnect this unit; it's linked to the serpentine belt.
- Any suggestions on eliminating this annoyance given that I'm willing to live without the A/C?
- Is there a risk of costly damage if I just leave it as is?
thanks

The compressor clutch bearing is labelled 2J-DF07AD2-A4, manufactured by NTN. Call a bearing supply house and see if that number represents a bearing that is commonly available. If so, you could have the compressor clutch pulley removed and have a machine shop press in a new bearing.

If you don't replace it, it will get noisier and noisier until it finally seizes.

A/C is an option in some markets. (My S70/V70 Climate control manual describes a "standard heater, no air conditioning") Therefore, Volvo must have a way of running the serpentine belt on a car with no A/C. Ideally, it would just be a shorter belt that can be routed around everything except the compressor. (It looks like, if you did that, the alternator would be turning the opposite way. That's probably a problem.) However, it may be an idler pulley. If they use an idler pulley, you might be able to find the part number and buy it from Volvo. See if you dealer part department can give you information on how the drive belt on an 850 with no A/C is set up.

Thanks a lot Peter.

Does anyone know if Volvo made the '95 850 without A/C? If so, can anyone comment on how the drive belt is routed and whether it's possible for the A/C to be bypassed?

I could just pay the $700 to have the compressor replaced, but the A/C has never worked very well, and I'm concerned that even then the A/C wouldn't work (I'm afraid there may be leaks in the system). Getting the A/C to work could cost >$1000, and I'm just hoping to get another 2-3 years out of this car.