Hi, Aircon compressor is making a squeal which sounds like a metallic high pitched sound like squeaky brakes. It only happens at tick over and when the aircon switch is pushed in. Any ideas?
If I had to guess, I would say bad compressor bearings if it sounds like a marble grumbling, or mechanical sounding squeal. If it sounds like a high pitched squeal, like a cat screaming, it may be just a slipping belt. An audio clip would be great if you can attach one.
Is the compressor able to be refurbished or do I have to replace the whole thing? Can you get bearing sets for it?
Jon, I've looked into this before. My compressor had a few drips of oil on it but still works fine and will be run to fail which could be years away. It is a Delphi compressor but the bolt pattern etc seems to be specific to the 360 A new one is a couple of grand, part number 180041. I would just have it rebuilt for not too much money but only if needed. Does the aircon still work? It is a pity that the STOP buttons everything off and you cannot just knock the compressor off. To look closer, you can go through the passenger comparment rear hatch or drop the rear undertray off. It is mounted front LHS of the engine. I would open the hatch and have a closer look and listen whilst keeping hands and small children well clear! If it's coming from the compressor then there's not much DIY I'm afraid. My car was MOT'd yesterday. Passed with no advisories at nearly 13 years old but we have to accept that they deserve and will need a few parts every now and then.......
Will get in and have a look. On the refurb front, who will do a compressor rebuild/refurb if it is U/S?. I'm hoping that a carefully positioned drop of oil behind the compressor clutch (not while the engine is running) will keep it going.
Air con seems to work - not had the car long so not used during summer. It may need a recharge in which case it would have more oil added at recharge. This would probably sort the squeak. Anyway will have a look at it.
