AC not working after horrible metal crunching noise.

VolvoRob38 · Apr 7th, 2021, 14:24

Last summer I heard a horrible metal crunching noise as I was driving along, which the best way to describe it would be like metal shards going down a plug hole.

At the time I quickly returned home and took another car. When driving again looking for the noise to repeat itself, it never happened, and was some time later that I noticed my AC wasnt working anymore.

As the weather got colder I didnt bother to look into the AC but now could do with looking at this again. Has anyone had any similar noises/experience that did indeed turn out to be the AC cylinder or something? Thats the only thing I can think of, that or an AC pipe bursting or something.

It did sound like something going down a plug hole, but in a very loud crunchy kind of way.

Welton · Apr 7th, 2021, 18:05

Sounds like the main a/c compressor has failed internally, they make a horrid groaning noise at the end of their lives, the system has probably disabled itself due to no pressure being generated.

Ideally would need diagnosing properly.

Wgl2020 · Apr 7th, 2021, 18:12

Unfortunately if the compressor has self destructed it is likely to have sent shards of metal around the whole AC system.
I would be wary of just replacing the compressor as the shards will still be able to damage any new parts.
Personally I think an AC specialist may be best to sort this.

Welton · Apr 8th, 2021, 09:20

Indeed, if the compressor internals have broken up then metal particles will be stuck in the drier canister and the mesh filter just before the expansion valve at the evaporator (heater matrix box in the cabin) it's all standard stuff but you need someone who is experienced with a/c systems and will leave you with a reliable working system.

Interestingly compressor failure commonly follows a poor re-gas where not enough PAG oil was added to the system (ask me how I know). I paid £600 for a new replacement compressor but my original hadn't actually failed yet.

VolvoRob38 · Apr 8th, 2021, 13:50

Thanks guys,

That doesn't sound good at all. Funnily enough I did have a refil earlier that year or late the previous year , at Jaguar garage.

What is the bit with the belt around wheel on the end, is that the clutch or compressor? That still kicks in when I turn on the AC. I did have an issue with that not kicking in but think that was just not enough gas.

And the other thing, that I think might have gone, looks like a big can im the middle of the engine?

Apr 7th, 2021, 14:24	#1
VolvoRob38 Senior Member Last Online: Jan 26th, 2024 17:19 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Chester	AC not working after horrible metal crunching noise. Last summer I heard a horrible metal crunching noise as I was driving along, which the best way to describe it would be like metal shards going down a plug hole. At the time I quickly returned home and took another car. When driving again looking for the noise to repeat itself, it never happened, and was some time later that I noticed my AC wasnt working anymore. As the weather got colder I didnt bother to look into the AC but now could do with looking at this again. Has anyone had any similar noises/experience that did indeed turn out to be the AC cylinder or something? Thats the only thing I can think of, that or an AC pipe bursting or something. It did sound like something going down a plug hole, but in a very loud crunchy kind of way.

Apr 7th, 2021, 18:05	#2
Welton Premier Member Last Online: Sep 14th, 2021 17:03 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Market Harborough	Sounds like the main a/c compressor has failed internally, they make a horrid groaning noise at the end of their lives, the system has probably disabled itself due to no pressure being generated. Ideally would need diagnosing properly. __________________ 2005 S40 T5 SE - Manual. Bilstein B4's. (For Sale) 2010 Citroen C4 1.6 HDi (bizarre Gearbox model). 2010 Renault Twingo (refreshingly simple) 2018 Infiniti Q30 1.6T Business Executive (what's this button do?)

Apr 8th, 2021, 09:20	#4
Welton Premier Member Last Online: Sep 14th, 2021 17:03 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Market Harborough	Indeed, if the compressor internals have broken up then metal particles will be stuck in the drier canister and the mesh filter just before the expansion valve at the evaporator (heater matrix box in the cabin) it's all standard stuff but you need someone who is experienced with a/c systems and will leave you with a reliable working system. Interestingly compressor failure commonly follows a poor re-gas where not enough PAG oil was added to the system (ask me how I know). I paid £600 for a new replacement compressor but my original hadn't actually failed yet. __________________ 2005 S40 T5 SE - Manual. Bilstein B4's. (For Sale) 2010 Citroen C4 1.6 HDi (bizarre Gearbox model). 2010 Renault Twingo (refreshingly simple) 2018 Infiniti Q30 1.6T Business Executive (what's this button do?)

Apr 7th, 2021, 18:12	#3
Wgl2020 Member Last Online: Jan 21st, 2023 17:15 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Ormskirk	Unfortunately if the compressor has self destructed it is likely to have sent shards of metal around the whole AC system. I would be wary of just replacing the compressor as the shards will still be able to damage any new parts. Personally I think an AC specialist may be best to sort this.

Apr 8th, 2021, 13:50	#5
VolvoRob38 Senior Member Last Online: Jan 26th, 2024 17:19 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Chester	Thanks guys, That doesn't sound good at all. Funnily enough I did have a refil earlier that year or late the previous year , at Jaguar garage. What is the bit with the belt around wheel on the end, is that the clutch or compressor? That still kicks in when I turn on the AC. I did have an issue with that not kicking in but think that was just not enough gas. And the other thing, that I think might have gone, looks like a big can im the middle of the engine?

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