whining noise when AC is on

[volvopilot]

hi guys,

I noticed some whining noises coming from my engine compartment when the AC is engaged. Sounds a little bit like an idler pulley that has gone bad. (whine). However, in this case the sound is only present when the AC is selected to ON.

The whine changes in pitch depending on engine rpm

it is not super loud and not very noticeable in the car while driving, but you can definitely hear it when pulling a way from a stop. Outside the car you can clearly hear it.

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGAVE7HsUVc

the AC has already been serviced + re gassed to rule out low oil/R134. AC blows ice cold without any problems.

because the AC still works like a charm and the sound hasn't changed over the last +- 5k miles it leaves me to believe that it's not the AC compressor it self that is causing the problem.

anyone who could point me into some directions and maybe explain me a way to self diagnose this problem to rule out some things? Compressor replacement is very expensive and I would like to prevent doing this if it is not the actual problem.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by volvopilot

hi guys,

I noticed some whining noises coming from my engine compartment when the AC is engaged. Sounds a little bit like an idler pulley that has gone bad. (whine). However, in this case the sound is only present when the AC is selected to ON.

The whine changes in pitch depending on engine rpm

it is not super loud and not very noticeable in the car while driving, but you can definitely hear it when pulling a way from a stop. Outside the car you can clearly hear it.

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGAVE7HsUVc

the AC has already been serviced + re gassed to rule out low oil/R134. AC blows ice cold without any problems.

because the AC still works like a charm and the sound hasn't changed over the last +- 5k miles it leaves me to believe that it's not the AC compressor it self that is causing the problem.

anyone who could point me into some directions and maybe explain me a way to self diagnose this problem to rule out some things? Compressor replacement is very expensive and I would like to prevent doing this if it is not the actual problem.

That is typical of a AC compressor bearing …

[FunkyMelon]

Originally Posted by Clan

That is typical of a AC compressor bearing …

.......Which is normal? About to fail?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by FunkyMelon

.......Which is normal? About to fail?

It takes a while to fall apart if that's what you mean , It is trying to tell you something so don't neglect it !

[volvopilot]

thanks for your reply. I'll probably get in replaced over the winter and don't use it up till then.

bummer, expensive repair again....