A/C noise/whine

[Gangplank]

Recently I have noticed a slight noise when my car is idling. It is not very loud and it goes away when I turn off the A/C. I would describe it as a low frequency sort of drone/whine or moan. It doesn't change with the revs, and it fully goes away if I turn off the AC button.

Any ideas? I did a search but nothing seem to come up on the forum.

[benzosnenzos]

Expect something to fail with the electric water pump/expander tank and/or condenser. Also possible that some oil has leaked on serp belt too.

I'm not 100% bc not mechanically minded but had similar issues that ended up needing repairs.

My serp belt recently got sucked into main seal and caused a serious problem as it had oil leaking on it from some area and this created an outrageous expense that i haven't completed yet.

[02Pilot]

I've noticed a similar noise in similar conditions. My suspicion is that it's just an operating noise and not necessarily indicative of a problem (at least not one that needs fixing), but if not I'd think the compressor bearings or clutch would be the obvious places to look.

[Gangplank]

Living in FL I run the A/C pretty much all of the time. So I am thinking the compressor might make sense. It really isn't that loud or an issue since pretty much any music will drown it out.

I am thinking I might stop by the dealer to see if a tech has heard a similar sound before. I have an aftermarket warranty with Route66 that covers the AC (factory installed compressor, clutch and coil assembly, evaporator, accumulator and condenser; if factory installed. Evacuation and recharge.)

[02Pilot]

Please post back with your findings. I have no such warranty, but it's good to have an idea of what to expect down the road.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Recently I have noticed a slight noise when my car is idling. It is not very loud and it goes away when I turn off the A/C. I would describe it as a low frequency sort of drone/whine or moan. It doesn't change with the revs, and it fully goes away if I turn off the AC button.

Any ideas? I did a search but nothing seem to come up on the forum.

I have the same symptoms except the whine frequency DOES change with the revs, in neutral or in gear. Turning off a/c makes the whine go away. Good luck with finding the problem, let us know.

BTW my power steering fluid was low and my belt tensioner and pulled needed replacement recently. Hoping fixing both of those has a positive impact on my whine however I have not tested as its winter in Canuckland and too cold to run a/c comfortably.

[Gangplank]

I tried tracking it down in the garage today but for some reason it wasn't as loud. Go figure.

[Mr Gasser]

May want to run a shot of a/c oil in the system, those small 3oz cans.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/PAG-Low-4...CABEgJ5R_D_BwE

[MightyMouseTech]

If it does not change with RPM, unlikely to be the compressor. More than likely just the rad fan.

[chris_flies]

A/C Pulley bearing, possibly.

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by Mr Gasser

May want to run a shot of a/c oil in the system, those small 3oz cans.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/PAG-Low-4...CABEgJ5R_D_BwE

Originally Posted by chris_flies

A/C Pulley bearing, possibly.

Hmmm. A few things worth trying/checking out.

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by Mr Gasser

May want to run a shot of a/c oil in the system, those small 3oz cans.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/PAG-Low-4...CABEgJ5R_D_BwE

Ok so I've still got this noise. So how do you use this stuff? I'm searching for a DIY to see if I can check refrigerant & oil refresh. Any links?

Dealer wasn't really helpful on this one, especially since I'd prefer to either DIY or get it covered under my Route66 warranty vs just paying to diagnose.

[Mr Gasser]

[elitesales305]

Gp.. Some Shmuck Side Swiped Me The Other Day With My Bnib 135is..
Now I Have What Seems To Be Something Rubbing When I Turn On The A/c Almost Like When We Were Kids .. And We Would Put The Coke Can Jammed In The Rear Tire.. Or A Card In The Spokes Hahahah..
Fuckin Annoying.. When I Take It To The Collision Shop Ima Bitch And Try And Claim It On This Fuckers Insurance..
Meanwhile.. No A/c Since It Sounds Like Shit!!
Please Report With Ur Findings As Im Equally Worried About Ur Car!! (and Mine)

[Gangplank]

That's a bummer Bard luck!! He has insurance & make them put your car right back to how it was + pay you the diminished value!

I'm thinking I might take mine to an A/C shop to check the oil & maybe do a drain & fill on the system. It's blowing cold so seems to be working but just sounds a bit weird. We'll see how it does this summer in the FL heat!!