P3 Models inc XC60 AC Constant Whining Noise

[stephenevans99]

P3 - Air Conditioning unusual constant 'whining' noise.

Our 2014 XC60 D4 AWD has been making an unusual loud whining noise only when the AC was on, sounding like a bearing on it's way out or like the annoying electric power steering on the Minis - we feared it was the compressor.

Google was king and resulted in finding a Technical Service Bulletin for Volvo Cars North America relating to a modified AC pipe. Spoke to Volvo and they said they had never heard of this complaint and expected it to be the compressor rather than a pipe (which made perfect sense tbf)....decided to go with the AC pipe as a starting point and work upwards.

The air conditioning pipe is the Low Pressure return flexi to the compressor, literally 10 minutes to install.

Pipe ordered, refrigerant recovered, pipe fitted and regassed. FIXED...no more annoying 'whinnnning'.

How many I wonder have made a similar complaint and ended up replacing the compressor for £££$$$. AC pipe was £130 and is a modified part.

Not sure how this new pipe prevents the annoying sound, the original wasn't fouling any of the bodywork or mountings....very strange.











Technical Journal 29474


DESCRIPTION:

Unusual noise described as a drilling noise may be audible from the AC system when the AC compressor is engaged, most frequent during idle or low speed driving and ambient temperature range 59-86 degrees.

PRODUCT MODIFICATION:

New AC pipe with integrated muffler has been introduced at the factories from 2014w26 for 5cyl and 6 cyl engines. New part number was added for -2013w20 5cyl engines and if this noise is present, do not replace the AC compressor or TXV valve.

Note:
This hose was introduced in the 4 cyl engine 2013w46.


In case of customer complaints, install the new AC pipe with muffler according to VIDA.

P/N31436536 5cyl engines
P/N31407977 5cyl engines -2013w20
P/N31436537 6cyl engines

Hope this helps/saves someone mistakingly replacing the expensive AC compressor along with belts etc when the issue is the ac pipe.

[Tannaton]

I have said whine on my 2015 D5 XC60, I have already replaced the compressor which didn't cure it. My sister has the same issue, to a lesser degree, on her 2013 D5 XC70.

However according to the TJ you kindly shared, my car (March 15 build) should have the modified part? Or have I misunderstood it an it's to be fitted to cars built from that point?

Is the part number printed on the hose - I'd like to check what's fitted.

[stephenevans99]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

However according to the TJ you kindly shared, my car (March 15 build) should have the modified part? Or have I misunderstood it an it's to be fitted to cars built from that point?

Is the part number printed on the hose - I'd like to check what's fitted.

I would expect your car being a March 15 build could've had the modified pipe fitted from the factory...or maybe it just missed out which explains why you have the 'ac whine'.

I've just checked the new part and strangely enough it's just one digit out from the ones listed in the TSB...I imagine it's best to take note of the Technical Service Bulletin number and ask the Service or Parts Dept in your local Volvo Dealership....our Service Dept chap almost dismissed it but brought in a Tech from the Workshop and between them they ordered the correct modified part.

Here's my new AC Pipe Part Number 31407976:

[Tannaton]

Thanks for posting - I'll check mine out tomorrow....

[Ross1990]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

Thanks for posting - I'll check mine out tomorrow....

Good evening, I have exact same issue with my 2015 xc60 D5. I haven’t changed compressor/pump yet. Did you manage to cure this in the end?
Thanks
Ross

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Ross1990

Good evening, I have exact same issue with my 2015 xc60 D5. I haven’t changed compressor/pump yet. Did you manage to cure this in the end?
Thanks
Ross

No not yet, but that’s entirely down to my apathy. The a/c works just fine, just a little noisy when hot, I’ve not found the time yet to dig deeper…

[sfinnset]

I replaced this AC pipe with a used 31407976 from Ebay on my Volvo S80 2012 D5 AWD and the whining noise is gone. Thanks.

[pont]

Interesting....
My air con has whined for all of the 8 years I have had it. TBH I thought it was an engine noise until turning off the air con silenced the whine.

Like many have said it is best to use a/c all the time, which I do, but this thread does make me wonder about the new hose fix.

I would love to understand the oil in the a/c compressor, where and if it circulates and how people ruin their compressor by getting oil amounts wrong.

I suppose the ultimate question for this thread is do Volvo dealers have the a/c expertise to advise a customer about this issue and do any fix.

Any thoughts Clan, if I may be so bold ?

This issue is one that I will definately not be doing anything about until I understand it better, as the a/c works beautifully, despite the low engine rev whine since new.

[pont]

I have just had my 2015 xc60 2.4 with 80000 miles air con whine fixed.
I have had the car almost since new and the air con has always had a quiet whine at low revs .
Recently it became loud enough to notice, so after reading the air con threads It seemed sensible to have the gas checked. Its always blown cold well.
After removing all the gas 450 units, the engineer put in the correct amount,750 units from memory. He was able to confirm the compressor was sound, both with his ears and his equipment, and that the whine was made loud by resonance caused by low gas.
Having done a few trips, it is now as quiet as when new.
He explained to me that gas does escape over time mainly due to rubber hoses and seals.
It now gives a truly arctic blast.
Fwiw it was done by car-air mobile . He tells me he has very controlable equipment rather than the automatic equipment on the high street chains.
Volvo could not help as they do not keep the right gas. £85 plus vat and worth it to me.

[Easington]

Originally Posted by stephenevans99

P3 - Air Conditioning unusual constant 'whining' noise.


Not sure how this new pipe prevents the annoying sound, the original wasn't fouling any of the bodywork or mountings....very strange.


New AC pipe with integrated muffler

Think you answered your own question - new pipe has an integrated muffler!