Volkswagen Polo 1.9 SDI - Polo throwing a/c compressor clutch -- flywheel?

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Thu 25 Mar 2010 15:00
Volkswagen Polo 1.9 SDI - Polo throwing a/c compressor clutch -- flywheel? - greid

I've got a rather odd problem with my 2004 1.9 SDI VW Polo (non-turbo). The A/C compressor was replaced last June (although it turned out not to be faultY), and the clutch snapped in half some time before Christmas. It's had the clutch replaced since then, and the A/C worked for a while, but has thrown it again.

I realise this could have a number of causes, e.g. a restriction in the hoses/condenser etc, but my local mechanic is now wondering if it is a vibrational problem caused by a failing/failed dual mass flywheel.

Is this plausible, and does this car even have a dual mass flywheel? The local VW dealer has "a feeling it's single mass" but says he can't be sure "without taking the gearbox off". Understandably I'm not keen on that!

Any advice or pointers greatly appreciated!

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Fri 26 Mar 2010 13:33
Volkswagen Polo 1.9 SDI - Polo throwing a/c compressor clutch -- flywheel? - greid

Update: apparently the compressor is always driven by the belt and so the "clutch" is really just a pulley. I've checked the part number on the compressor, and it appears to be the correct part.

The mechanic's AC people have checked out the compressor and claim it's working fine, and it *does* work correctly after a new pulley/clutch is put on -- until it breaks again. This suggests to me that the compressor probably *is* OK.

I don't know what part of the "clutch" they replaced last time -- maybe just the bit that fell off. Would it be worth insisting they replace the whole pulley mechanism?

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