Air Con Compressor Noise

[jonsowman]

Hi all,

My car developed a loud screech today when the A/C is turned off. When the A/C is turned on, there is a slight clunk and the noise disappears.

Now I assume this is the clutch. Firstly, is it dangerous (i.e. could the clutch disintegrate and throw the belt off or something)?

Secondly, what are my options with respect to a new compressor? ServiceBox tells me there are two manufacturers for the compressor on the 2.1TD, how do I find out which mine is?

VIN is VF38BP8CE80504079

Thanks

[gumby6371]

There is always a chance of throwing a belt if it locks up.

Always had trouble working out which my old GLX had, from memory there is a choice of 3, 2 sanden's and a delphi (could be the other way round), the guy at my local factors had a look underneath when I bought a new belt so I'm guessing it's written on somewhere.
My LX hasn't got aircon so can't check but I'd park it on the kerb and have a look if I were you. Miss my GLX on a day like today, sweat was pouring out of me!!!

According to Mr Haynes the layout will allow the fitting of a non-aircon belt but you'll have an auto-adjust tensioner and my non-aircon model has a manual adjuster.

[jonsowman]

Thanks mate, I assume I can't get the manufacturer by VIN then? Never mind, I'll get under the car when I have a minute and have a look

Are the compressors interchangeable do you know?

I think my best bet is going to be to get one from a scrap car, since new ones (Eurocarparts or GSF) are very expensive, £300+! Getting rid of A/C would be a last resort really, I'm willing to spend a bit to get a new compressor or fix this one (I don't think that's possible though?)

Any other input/experience welcomed

[gumby6371]

Not very good on service box, it goes by RPO number but I never know how to find RPO's.

I think it's only the compressor that changed so as long as you fit the right belt for the compressor I guess you could fit any of them. Might be worth a punt on a scrapper or find a garage that could refurb your current one.
I'm guessing you'd need the system drained and regassed anyway, but like I said I'm guessing.

[jonsowman]

From the 'Characteristics' page on SB:

Vehicle family 406
Build code 07757 89 4 0305
Warranty Start Date 01/01/1990
BER e2*93/x*00xx*xx

I assume 07757 is the RPO, but I'm sure someone else can confirm.

The "Air Compressor Detail" page doesn't say anything about RPO numbers though (I do know what you mean about it usually saying "until RPO xxxxx" though).

I think removing/replacing the compressor will involve refilling the aircon system no matter what. I'll give some garages a ring to ask about refurbing the clutch on mine. Otherwise I think I'll have to grab one from a scrap card and then fit the matching aux belt.

Thanks again for your help

Edit: some Googling has informed me that this is likely to be the idler bearing rather than the clutch itself, since the noise disappears when the A/C is enabled, and the clutch engages smoothly as it should. Is it possible to replace the bearing?

[RayneR]

Does it can be opened up ? If so, i don't see the problem changing the bearing if you have a similar or new one to replace... go to an auto electrician and hear what he says, if t can be changed or not

[jonsowman]

Thanks RayneR, I was wondering if anyone could confirm whether the bearing is serviceable/replaceable.

Any suggestions on where to start with finding an auto electrician (is yellow pages the best bet)?

Thanks all

[steve_earwig]

I'd think you'd be better looking for an air con specialist.

[lozz]

Iwouid take the Aux belt off and check each pulley
before condeming the Compressor,

ive had a simalar problem with My renault and it was the Aux belt causing the chirp, problem solved with a bar of soap

[jonsowman]

steve: Will do, thanks. Any recommended places/chains to look into? I'll give a couple of places a ring tomorrow if a get a minute.

lozz: I did think it might be something else, but it disappears as soon as the A/C is turned on. Could this happen if it's not the A/C compressor? In addition, the aux belt tensioner, idler and belt were all changed last year when the tensioner gave up and threw the belt off.

[lozz]

How often do you use /have used the aircon?

[jonsowman]

Not particularly often, usually use it during the summer for cooling and during winter for demisting. I do try to use it every now and again so it doesn't go unused for months and months.

It has definitely only started making this noise today, noticed after getting home after a 50 mile run along A-roads with the A/C on.

[lozz]

Get the belt off and spray the compressor pulley with wd40 (not the Grooved parts where the belt runs tho)
you shouid be able to feel if its Rough with the belt off too,

it may well be fubard but its worth checking first, it might save you throwing a few quid away

[steve_earwig]

Any recommended places/chains to look into?

'fraid I can't recommend anywhere in the UK, the only time I went to one was with my Senator which used the wrong gas, meaning that almost all of it would need changing - "How much???" I can put up with a button that doesn't work

[jonsowman]

OK, just been on the phone to a local air con specialist. He reckons it's more likely the clutch plate dragging, rather than the bearing itself. He said it's basically new compressor time, and that getting a scrap compressor usually isn't worth it since they're usually either knackered or dirty. Has anyone got any experience on compressors from scrappers?

Interestingly, when I got in the car this morning - no noise. Engaged then disengaged the aircon, and the noise appeared. This seems to support the clutch plate theory.

In the meantime, I'll leave the aircon engaged so as to reduce wear as much as possible.

This is going to be an expensive one I think! New compressor, labour and re-gassing the system