A/C Compressor Clutch Reshimming - Volvo Forums

tech · #1 07-09-2006, 01:59 AM

Once compressor is off set it like the following pic and remove the 10mm screw in the middle of the pulley.

Then carefully remove the outer part of the Clutch.(There is a special tool which I didn't have I used to screw drivers but be careful)

Then either the shims will come out with the outer peice like mine did or they will be sitting on the shaft once the outer part is removed.

If you look closely the washers/shims are different thicknesses. You will need to Measure the thickness and then find one a little thinner and reinstall and check the Gap between the outer and inner part of the clutch.
I will have to find out the exact specs but I believe it needs to be .016 Cannot be more than .020.
Use a fueller gauge to measure the gap.

Hopefully this helps.

If you have any qioestions feel free to ask.

Compressor Specs: Gap should be between .3MM(.012Inches) and .5MM(.020Inches)
.6mm(.024) should not fit in at all

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B1mmer · #2 07-20-2006, 10:45 PM

Tech... excellent post. Just to clarify, I should be measuring between the clutch surfaces, and I'm guessing the gap will be bigger than the spec (due to clutch wear) thus, going with a thinner shim will bring it back into spec?

Wear would I get the correct shims? Thanks - AB

tech · #3 07-21-2006, 12:24 AM

Yes you are correct.

I used small washers that were close to the size of the shims.
Volvo only sells 4 shims for it.

If I needed to go thinner on the washer I rubbed it on a file to thin it out.

axelm · #4 12-29-2006, 12:06 PM

Any spec on the material the washer has to be made of? I imagine it has to been stainless steel, but any other spec?

tech · #5 12-30-2006, 12:02 AM

Not that I have.
Most of the time you just need to remove one of the one that are already there to bring it into specs.

xpiecemealx · #6 03-21-2008, 01:33 PM

So would this be my problem if my car doesnt even do anything when I turn the ac on? No engine bogging down or no parts turning. Nothing!

tech · #7 03-21-2008, 06:37 PM

Does the center of the compressor spin?
Do you have power to the low pressure switch?

Rosew6211 · #8 12-28-2008, 02:18 PM

A 30 minute job put my 96 850 AC clutch back in order. I had heard that if AC is on, compressor wheel is turning but will not engage, I could take a broom stick and lightly push it against clutch plate wth motor running and AC on at lowest temperature setting. If clutch plate kicks in and engages the compressor, them shimming is needed hold plate clearances within spects. I jacked up the right front, put in a safety jack stand,and working from underneath, I checked the clearance. It was 30 thousands over spects. With Simple Green and water ,I cleaned the clutch face and blew it dry. Working from underneath(which gives access to the clutch) and using a screwdriver to lift the existing spacing tabs, I inserted a small, bread bag tie clip size and thickness, shim under each tab and secured them in place with epoxy. Some use crazy glue. This is hold shims in place when clutch is not engaged. A recheck showed spect. clearance and the AC works perfectly. This may not be Mfg's recommendations; however, it worked for me and saved dismantling the clutch assembly.

jimboy · #9 06-30-2009, 04:33 PM

would this work the same for a 2005 v50? The A/C cuts out intermittently. If I tap the compressor with a wrench it will start spinning again. Also can I do this on the vehicle, removing belts first of course.

tech · #10 06-30-2009, 08:44 PM

It works exactly the same way. On the 05 you should be able to unscrew it from the oil pan and leave all the lines connected.