I need to have the a/c compressor replaced. I got a quote of $1,200 (parts and labor) from a local shop (not a Volvo dealer). Does this seem reasonable? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Yes, that is the going price and have it done. It's the price you pay for driving a Volvo......AC is one of the weak links.

Seems a little high for my area. Compressors usually don't die, are you sure you need one? Most have the clutch wear down to the point where it will no longer engage and moving a shim fron the rear of the clutch to the front fixes that. Labor to do that should be around 2 hours.

Make sure, if the system does get vacuumed out, you replace the receiver/dryer which could be clogged and getting porous.

Klaus
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Common sense trumps a PhD

SO while I was driving home yesterday in the 97 degree heat the AC stopped working. After I got control of the sick feeling in my gut, I pulled off the interstate and smelled some burning rubber coming out of the vents. I raised the hood, and noticed the wheel on the compressor moving back and forth like it was loose. I think the burning was the serpentine belt??? I turned the AC off and continued the 30 minutes home. Is there a way to just replace the clutch, or will I need a new compressor? Is even it the compressor, or am I missing something? BTW I just had the whole AC system fixed 4 years ago...

Luckly on the ride home we had the windows down and the wind chill made it feel like a cool 95 degrees!
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1998 Blue S70 275,000 miles

Interesting. If the bearings on the compressor go out, the compressor will freeze up and stop turning. Then, when the clutch engages, the belt will slip over the clutch pulley and start to melt the belt.

From your description, you will need a new compressor. Because the system will need to be evacuated of all R134a, I suggest you also replace the receiver/dryer. It may be possible to salvage the clutch from the old unit, it does come off and is a separate unit. You will also need a new S belt.

Klaus
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Common sense trumps a PhD

If I just replace the compressor, why would I need to evacuate the 134A? I wouldn't need to tap into it would I?
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1998 Blue S70 275,000 miles

How do you remove the compressor without disconnecting the lines????? The clutch is a diffferent story, it is connected to the compressor.

Klaus
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Common sense trumps a PhD

Yes, I figured that out right after I posted the question...sorry
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1998 Blue S70 275,000 miles

Disregard the last question....
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1998 Blue S70 275,000 miles

Klaus is right - we don't hear much about the comps dying.

FCP lists a rebuilt one for $300 and a new one for $375:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/category-exec/category_id/67/nm/A_C_Compressors/sub_top_menu_item/by_make-by_model-by_year/by_make/78/by_model/1464/by_year/48
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1998 V70 AWD Turbo 190k+