After 3months of struggle I have finally fixed AC on my 2005 Volvo XC90. The gap was 0.65mm and using your free fix it came down to 0.45mm, over 300miles the AC was blowing ice cold that too in Texas. Thanks and appreciate your help in posting this fix. Works like a charm 👍
Had this problem for over a year now and no Toyota dealer could fix it! Just got my fixed car (RAV4 2005) back from a Airco specialist and it works fine. I have been looking all over the internet but did not find this fix! Adding the word 'clutch' did the trick ;-) Thank you for explaining this problem/fix so clear to us!
You legend! I spent 30 mins trying to undo the nut to take out one of the shims and then followed your advice. I used 2 longer lengths of wire to fix my ford mondeo! I love fixes like this keep up the good work fella.....
Hi SiRobb, great quick fix on my 2006 V50. Removed wheel and carefully folded plastic liner back to get enough access to do it from in there. It was a bit fiddly at first to lever the springs up, but once I figured the best approach it was easy. I just slid 0.5mm wire under each side of the springs, i.e. 6 times, and twisted them on nice and tight. Blows cold and doesn't fade out. 100% successful repair that I think should see me through this summer and beyond. It's stinking hot right now in NZ and I have a 5 month old baby so getting this sorted is a huge load off my mind as I'd been dreading an expensive repair. If your aircon blows cold without fading out while the car is idling from start, but dies shortly after you get driving, this is almost certainly the semi-permanent $0.00 fix for you. Thanks again mate. I've subscribed.
You are a mechanical genius and angel. Suffered with non working AC for a summer and a half. Tried this today and it worked like a charm. Thank you. Thank you.
Great video! I had the same problem with the a/c. I went to Home Depot bought one foot of 14 gauge solid copper wire. I cut three pieces, 2 inches each. I used two hammers to flatten them, one as an anvil. I bent one end of the flattened shim slightly, about ¼ inch from the end. I couldn’t get to the clutch from the top. I went underneath. I removed the plastic cover under the grill. One 10mm bolt on the end dropped the cover and I had great access to the clutch. I followed your steps and fixed it! Thanks!! I have a 2002 V70 wagon with 205,000 miles.
I did mine from underneath as well, but I went in through the wheel well. Not sure which of the underneath ways is easier (mine did require removing the wheel), but I think either way underneath has to be easier than from above.
I'm thinking about the many multitudes of people through the ages who have needlessly paid to have a new clutch and/or compressor fitted. With this simple mod they could have held onto that money. sigh Thanks, SiRobb, for sharing this info.
Thanks!! Just done this on my 04 XC90. Pretty tight space but got them on. I did six. Also got some .3mm shim stock and cut thin strips. Feeler gauge .45 now just slips in. See how it goes on next hot day
One tip: leave the wire long, stick it in the gap, bend one end and cut off to size and bend the other end. Much easier to insert it this way... No need for long pliers.
Thanks mate! Mine has the I-5 so we couldn't do it from the top, so had to go in through the wheel well instead. Tedious, but doable. I did buy some 0.5mm stainless steel wire, so it cost me that, but I was mentally prepared to buy the clutch holding tool, and clutch removal tool, and disassemble it, which would have taken hours. I just sent you 5 quid - buy yourself a cold beverage.
before you do this, check if the clutch plate turns almost free by hand (apart from the compression) If it doesn't, prepare for horrible bearing noises from the compressor pulley (that the clutch engages to), compressor engaged or not, and the risk of your serpentine belt snapping. i did this fix with flattened copper wire after zip-ties melted and it turned out that my compressor was about to seize up which it did one month after. the zip ties were a "safety system"
I will do that tomorrow. I invested into a new condensor and the quantity of the filling is now constant. But after 10' the AC stops working. Here is the answer. Greetings from Germany.
Thanks man. This is brilliant. I want to remove the shims but i do not have the tools to removed it. I do not know how to loosen the bolt so I tried your method and it works just fine! I save my money (I do not need to change the whole compressor like most of the mechanics recommend) and I save my time as well. Big thanks again!
Hi everyone - there should be an easier fix. If this clutch is attached the same way as my (subaru outback) there should be some spacers that can be removed on the clutch shaft. If you unscrew the clutch you will probably find a spacer inside. Just replace it with another one that is thinner.
It is only easier if access to the clutch is better. On mine and many others, there's no room to fit a puller to remove the shims without removing or dislocating the compressor which can turn this simple fix into a bigger job. .
thanks for this video, i have a question, should ac compressor turn on every time i press the ac button ? and radiator fan should be spinning everytime when ac is turned on ?
Great vid but would this be easier if you remove the right front wheel? I tried this this morning but it so hard to get it in. Dont have a long plier yet, I tried with a long wire as someone else suggested but then I lack the force to push it in. Pretty frustrating
Hello again, today after fitting my new alarm siren, I heard a squeaking coming from the aux belt area, so I turned on my air con just to see if the squeak went away, when I turned it on I saw the mechanism turning and then it stopped, the car was not warm. is this the clutch? thank you Ben
yup. I used cable ties. worked for a few years. Started again. Put some ties in a little thicker. Probably end up just putting a new clutch on next time for about $50. Just need a puller to pull it off then put on the new one and tighten it down. Only an idiot mechanic would say replace the entire compressor. Then you have to vacumn the system and recharge. Clutch plates are made to replace.
@@fws5079 i just did the repair using zip ties. It worked for a while, but now its back to the bullshit. Zipties are still there, too. Im just gonna replace the compressor. Im tired of fucking my hands up while gapping the compressor. Plus, its semi-hard work, and its a slap in the face when it doesn't work. Its too hot to keep fooling around with it. I tried, but im done with this hot shit.
@@ahmet6144 Anything will work if it correctly closes the gap *AND* remains secure. You will have to be the judge of the quality and suitability of the zip ties.
Plenty have used plastic cable ties so at the end of the day, if it achieves the correct clutch gap and more importantly is strong enough to stay put, you can use a variety of solutions.
SiRobb wow pretty fast answer. My compressor engages, but turns off every 5 seconds. I've been reading, it could be low refrigerant, but they just filled it up on the shop. I will take it back to them, if they wanna replace the compressor then I will try your trick first. Thank you for helping!
Tu Muy Bien If the clutch is engaging, the problem is not the clutch gap. If it is only engaging for a few seconds then off again the system may be over pressure and cutting out due to the evaporator freezing. A good garage should know the different symptoms.
SiRobb yes, they told me it was over pressured as you said. They also changed the receiver again cause the one they installed was defective. It's blowing cold again, will see in about two days for any leak or malfunction. Thanks man you rock!
You realize you have your serpentine belt on UPSIDE DOWN right? Ribs should be on the inside, against the grooved pulleys. I have never seen anyone do this. It's amazing the belt hasn't shredded itself.
Why couldn't you take the wheel off, since the "insertion of the shimm" seem to be the most important part of this intervention, maybe, just maybe, you should provide a more accurate image of the process, location included. Wouldn't you agree?
If you don't understand the principle of this video, what I'm doing or why I'm using this method, maybe, just maybe you should ask for help from someone who does understand. Wouldn't you agree?
After 3months of struggle I have finally fixed AC on my 2005 Volvo XC90. The gap was 0.65mm and using your free fix it came down to 0.45mm, over 300miles the AC was blowing ice cold that too in Texas. Thanks and appreciate your help in posting this fix. Works like a charm 👍
Good to hear that comment can’t wait to fix mine tomorrow
Had this problem for over a year now and no Toyota dealer could fix it! Just got my fixed car (RAV4 2005) back from a Airco specialist and it works fine. I have been looking all over the internet but did not find this fix! Adding the word 'clutch' did the trick ;-) Thank you for explaining this problem/fix so clear to us!
This is one of the most unhinged car maintenance videos I’ve seen in ages and I absolutely love it. Absolutely brilliant work
You legend! I spent 30 mins trying to undo the nut to take out one of the shims and then followed your advice. I used 2 longer lengths of wire to fix my ford mondeo! I love fixes like this keep up the good work fella.....
Hi SiRobb, great quick fix on my 2006 V50. Removed wheel and carefully folded plastic liner back to get enough access to do it from in there. It was a bit fiddly at first to lever the springs up, but once I figured the best approach it was easy. I just slid 0.5mm wire under each side of the springs, i.e. 6 times, and twisted them on nice and tight. Blows cold and doesn't fade out. 100% successful repair that I think should see me through this summer and beyond. It's stinking hot right now in NZ and I have a 5 month old baby so getting this sorted is a huge load off my mind as I'd been dreading an expensive repair. If your aircon blows cold without fading out while the car is idling from start, but dies shortly after you get driving, this is almost certainly the semi-permanent $0.00 fix for you. Thanks again mate. I've subscribed.
Still working?
Yes for me. IF the clutch gap is the problem and the clutch plate design allows, the method shown in the video is the solution.
@@sirobb just did it to my 2007 versa going good so far
@@kemar29 That's great news.
You are a mechanical genius and angel.
Suffered with non working AC for a summer and a half.
Tried this today and it worked like a charm.
Thank you. Thank you.
Great video! I had the same problem with the a/c. I went to Home Depot bought one foot of 14 gauge solid copper wire. I cut three pieces, 2 inches each. I used two hammers to flatten them, one as an anvil. I bent one end of the flattened shim slightly, about ¼ inch from the end. I couldn’t get to the clutch from the top. I went underneath. I removed the plastic cover under the grill. One 10mm bolt on the end dropped the cover and I had great access to the clutch. I followed your steps and fixed it! Thanks!! I have a 2002 V70 wagon with 205,000 miles.
arne lebrato How much was your clutch gap reduced with that size wire? Still working?
I did mine from underneath as well, but I went in through the wheel well. Not sure which of the underneath ways is easier (mine did require removing the wheel), but I think either way underneath has to be easier than from above.
thanks for the idea, I had some copper wire I flattened for this and it worked great.. going in through the wheel well on the XC90 was a breeze..
Once again SiRobb to the rescue! 35 degrees here and my aircon played up once the car got hot. This has solved it! Thank you.
I'm thinking about the many multitudes of people through the ages who have needlessly paid to have a new clutch and/or compressor fitted. With this simple mod they could have held onto that money. sigh
Thanks, SiRobb, for sharing this info.
Thank you SiRobb for your detailed description of the repair. I did the repair on my wife's 04 XC70 and it worked like a charm.
Thanks!! Just done this on my 04 XC90.
Pretty tight space but got them on. I did six. Also got some .3mm shim stock and cut thin strips. Feeler gauge .45 now just slips in. See how it goes on next hot day
Fixed muy xc70. Used small zipties for spacers. Two oposit did the trick. Thanks!
your fix is awesome, my aircon is working again!! wasnt too difficult, just used smaller zip ties....thank you so much!
amazing how people come up with fantastic smart solutions.
Nice job. You had to work for those shots, and I'm sure we all appreciate it.
One tip: leave the wire long, stick it in the gap, bend one end and cut off to size and bend the other end. Much easier to insert it this way... No need for long pliers.
Thanks mate! Mine has the I-5 so we couldn't do it from the top, so had to go in through the wheel well instead. Tedious, but doable. I did buy some 0.5mm stainless steel wire, so it cost me that, but I was mentally prepared to buy the clutch holding tool, and clutch removal tool, and disassemble it, which would have taken hours. I just sent you 5 quid - buy yourself a cold beverage.
Well done on the fix and thank you for the kind gift. It's much appreciated.
before you do this, check if the clutch plate turns almost free by hand (apart from the compression) If it doesn't, prepare for horrible bearing noises from the compressor pulley (that the clutch engages to), compressor engaged or not, and the risk of your serpentine belt snapping. i did this fix with flattened copper wire after zip-ties melted and it turned out that my compressor was about to seize up which it did one month after. the zip ties were a "safety system"
SO glad Ive found this! Looking forward to cool air on our Volvo this Spring and summer!
So good and informative video. Trying to learn me the Swedish car from USA, UK and China! Pleased with that.
I'm Swedish.
I guess the concern is to keep the wheel balanced with 3 equally weighted shims so it doesn't wear out the old bearing faster...
Yes and that's exactly what I did in the video.
Fantastic, it works great, after a littebit of struggle i managed to get it in. Absolutly good advice, Tnkx!
I will do that tomorrow. I invested into a new condensor and the quantity of the filling is now constant. But after 10' the AC stops working. Here is the answer. Greetings from Germany.
Thanks man. This is brilliant. I want to remove the shims but i do not have the tools to removed it. I do not know how to loosen the bolt so I tried your method and it works just fine!
I save my money (I do not need to change the whole compressor like most of the mechanics recommend) and I save my time as well. Big thanks again!
Hi everyone - there should be an easier fix. If this clutch is attached the same way as my (subaru outback) there should be some spacers that can be removed on the clutch shaft. If you unscrew the clutch you will probably find a spacer inside. Just replace it with another one that is thinner.
It is only easier if access to the clutch is better.
On mine and many others, there's no room to fit a puller to remove the shims without removing or dislocating the compressor which can turn this simple fix into a bigger job. .
I just had the same idea. Glad to know now that it works. Thanks
Does this condition (before fox) also cause the compressor to be loud?
Just did this yesterday, job done!
thanks for this video, i have a question, should ac compressor turn on every time i press the ac button ? and radiator fan should be spinning everytime when ac is turned on ?
that is pretty fuckn ingenious!
Great vid but would this be easier if you remove the right front wheel? I tried this this morning but it so hard to get it in. Dont have a long plier yet, I tried with a long wire as someone else suggested but then I lack the force to push it in. Pretty frustrating
The method ultimately depends on access and your tool collection but the principle remains the same.
You do it in the way that best works for you.
@@sirobb cheers
I can’t get it to fit/ the wire bends and won’t go in between, any idea why? I wish the compressor would be able to be reached easier…
Great video, thanks. I am curious, how do you get the clutch to rotate so you can access the other 'sides' to get the evenly spaced shims?
euskalaretoa The clutch isn't engaged so is easy to push round with a screwdriver.
That's great thank you very much for the swift reply, much appreciated :-)
Hello again, today after fitting my new alarm siren, I heard a squeaking coming from the aux belt area, so I turned on my air con just to see if the squeak went away, when I turned it on I saw the mechanism turning and then it stopped, the car was not warm. is this the clutch?
thank you
Ben
it is normal ac clutch has interval turning on and off is very normal...
Ive been told that this works well with zip ties too!
yup. I used cable ties. worked for a few years. Started again. Put some ties in a little thicker. Probably end up just putting a new clutch on next time for about $50. Just need a puller to pull it off then put on the new one and tighten it down. Only an idiot mechanic would say replace the entire compressor. Then you have to vacumn the system and recharge. Clutch plates are made to replace.
@@fws5079 i just did the repair using zip ties. It worked for a while, but now its back to the bullshit. Zipties are still there, too. Im just gonna replace the compressor. Im tired of fucking my hands up while gapping the compressor. Plus, its semi-hard work, and its a slap in the face when it doesn't work. Its too hot to keep fooling around with it. I tried, but im done with this hot shit.
@@Eastsidegeorgiaboy more like a kick in the balls, i'm going to replace my compressor as well
Brilliant fix!!!
Great idea! Will try.
Is that a Temporary fix, Or it can least for a while? I have the same problem on my S40 T5 2008
You can use staples instead of wire. No need to hammer them.
Brilliant!
I am surpriced that this problem will go away for some time for just this easy fix! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Thank you!
You're welcome. 👍🏾
Would you mind flying to Australia to fix my S60R's ac? 😉
Genius!
would this be an issue on a 2011 S40 or did they fix it
any air con leak tests on the horizon? many thanks
No because leak tests are free at AC specialists.
Brilliant!
What size are your hands, ffs? I got my 4yr old daughter in there in the end. Still couldn't do it, but I found it easier from below the car.
I have large hands so used long reach tools as shown in the video.
Access is whatever it is so blame the designers not me. 😊
Great video
Hi. Is it safe to remove the a/c clutch? Rather than the a/c not working..
very nice thank's for sharing!!!
I need to do the same in my s60 and my wife xc70. Thanks!!..
Will metal zip ties work?
@@ahmet6144 Anything will work if it correctly closes the gap *AND* remains secure. You will have to be the judge of the quality and suitability of the zip ties.
So how do you turn the pulley to get the three shims evenly around the clutch? Does it turn by hand or?
It can be pushed around with anything that will reach.
mine work only with the engine cold but once it warms up it stop the chutch. but if i wack it it turns back on .any suggestions thanks
ggg's fan That sounds like the clutch gap problem shown in this video.
thanks.👏👍
Thanks 😊 is work
wery useful thanks you wery much
why not using a thinner shim?
You can use whatever is necessary. I just used what I had available at the time.
Would metal cable ties work ?
Plenty have used plastic cable ties so at the end of the day, if it achieves the correct clutch gap and more importantly is strong enough to stay put, you can use a variety of solutions.
there's a bearing press that can push the clutch closer to the pulley
It does the work that was done in the video minus the pins?
For how long this trick can be working ?
Tu Muy Bien My AC still works after 3 years.
SiRobb wow pretty fast answer. My compressor engages, but turns off every 5 seconds. I've been reading, it could be low refrigerant, but they just filled it up on the shop. I will take it back to them, if they wanna replace the compressor then I will try your trick first. Thank you for helping!
Tu Muy Bien If the clutch is engaging, the problem is not the clutch gap.
If it is only engaging for a few seconds then off again the system may be over pressure and cutting out due to the evaporator freezing.
A good garage should know the different symptoms.
SiRobb thanks a lot! I will update 👍
SiRobb yes, they told me it was over pressured as you said. They also changed the receiver again cause the one they installed was defective. It's blowing cold again, will see in about two days for any leak or malfunction. Thanks man you rock!
You realize you have your serpentine belt on UPSIDE DOWN right? Ribs should be on the inside, against the grooved pulleys. I have never seen anyone do this. It's amazing the belt hasn't shredded itself.
You do realise that the belt is ribbed on both sides and is fitted perfectly. 👍🏾😊
Its on correctly
Why couldn't you take the wheel off, since the "insertion of the shimm" seem to be the most important part of this intervention, maybe, just maybe, you should provide a more accurate image of the process, location included. Wouldn't you agree?
If you don't understand the principle of this video, what I'm doing or why I'm using this method, maybe, just maybe you should ask for help from someone who does understand.
Wouldn't you agree?
he means 'millimeter' every time he says 'mil.' drastically different units
If someone needs that explaining, they shouldn't be working on a bicycle let alone a car.
Cant see a fucking thing....
170 thousand views, nearly a 1000 likes..... Who is more likely to be correct? 😊
Mickey mouse job! Yikes!! yes that will last awhile. Not.
The video is 3 years old and the fix still works perfectly so when exactly are you saying it will fail?
SiRobb 3 days if you are lucky!
Are you a SPED or something? Something wrong with your brain?
Just had to do the job again so the original in this video lasted almost 6 years.
@@sirobb Anything will last just sitting in the auto pound! 555! What kind of car was that? Year and model?