New A/C compressor whines on acceleration?

Tiny
SHIVOLV12
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 VOLVO S40
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 167,340 MILES
Hi,

I had a shop install a new A/C compressor and dryer I supplied on my vehicle listed above T5. I bought Genuine Volvo parts from a Volvo dealer. My shop installed these new parts on July 8th. Around July 25 I realized my compressor started to whine (it did not before), only when the RPMs are up. Like 2,500 RPMs or so, I hear a whine. Only when the compressor engages. If I have the A/C off, it will not whine. Diagnosing more myself, I took a tube and ran it from my ear to belt tensioners, my alternator, and A/C compressor, while I had a family member rev the motor. I came to the conclusion that the A/C compressor was the only thing making the whine. Belt tensioners are new and so is the Alternator. Now, I have a replacement A/C compressor from the supplier. My shop today is installing it, when they saw the car, the technician said the noise, I'm hearing he has heard before and would consider it "normal." What do you say?

Thanks,
Vince
Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 6:49 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,047 POSTS
Thanks for the video. That noise is not normal, it sounds like they have too much oil in the system, or it is overcharged. I would install a set of gauges on it to see what the pressures are.

Here is a video that will help you understand what is normal or not:

https://youtu.be/4EqdrBVb0sY

It could be the compressor clutch (climate control) relay not supplying the correct voltage to the clutch which happens when the relay wears. Here is the location so you can check it out to see if this is the problem.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
SHIVOLV12
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the reply.
Update 8/9/22.
Do you happen to know how much freon this car requires?

Shop installed warranty replacement compressor. It is still making the whining noise after leaving the shop! The noise may not be as loud but it is there.

I swapped relays around and no change. I looked at the fuse for the compressor and it looked good but did not swap.

I will not be driving the vehicle until the 23 due to vacation, ill update as the mileage goes up. This whine is the reason the car will not go on vacation. Ugh.
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,047 POSTS
I forgot to ask if they cleaned or replaced the orifice tube when they did the job, if this is plugged it will cause the compressor to make noise. Check the image's below for more information.
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 11:53 AM

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