Hey folks!

I am the mostly happy owner of a 2008 XC70. It has gotten me through two unpredictable winters better than I could have imagined!

But it is in need of a new AC compressor, or so I am told by my mechanic. The AC blows cold enough, but its motor makes quite a racket.

I'll be taking a pretty long trip later this summer into what could be extreme heat, so I am concerned.

My question is: what are the risks (aside from "no AC") of letting this repair slide? It's a $1200+ job, so it's at a price point where I tend to let things go until they ultimately fail.

If this should fail while on the road, what could happen? Would it damage the car's engine? Ruin its serpentine belt? Anything else?

Thanks for any help or advice!

Richard

 

If the compressor fails, it can toss the drive belt and also damage other components under the hood. I've seen damage to the vehicle due to this mishap.

At this point, replace the noisy compressor and play it safe. You will likely incur more than $1200 in repairs by letting this go, plus a big tow bill, etc.

However, test fate as you see fit.

 

Maybe there is a way to route a shorter belt not around air con, or remove compressor entirely? . Have seen this on a Subaru

 

You don't list the country you are in - In North America the only engine offered on a 2008 was the FoMoCo inline 6, with the read (rear engine accessory drive) assembly. If the compressor has a serious problem on that engine and the belt goes - that belt drives the water pump and power steering also - so that could be a big problem.