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A/C compressor noise question

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shadango

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
My compressor was making lots of noise since the defroster uses it and it's winter so I had it done at a local garage.

Can someone refresh me, is the compressor supposed to come on and stay on as long as the power switch for A/C is on or should it cycle on and off? The air gets cold, but of course it's cold outside.

Just want to be sure all is ok. It does still make a little noise, noisier than the original if memory serves me correctly, but it's not horrible. Anyone?
 
#2 ·
Generally, if it's below freezing outside, the compressor won't run. Beyond that, it'll either run or cycle to keep the evaporator (the part in the dash) near but above freezing. So depending on a lot of variables it might run all the time or not at all.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
It runs about 10 secs then turns off for about 40 secs, which makes sense as far as it not cycling the same in cold temps. The noise it's making is kind of a loud whirring noise that's hard to describe.

In contrast, the compressor in our Sonata seems to stay on longer before it goes off and, aside from the clutch clicking in, you can't hear it run. I swear that's how my Durango used to operate and the compressor is brand new so :?

I don't want to say the noise is quite as bad as it was but its noisy.hoping I didn't just pay 700 bucks for nothing.

Belt is newer znd the tensioner was replaced a while back under warranty.i.read somewhere that the belt or tensioner could make noise when the compressor kicks in.but it seems like the noise is up top around the compressor, not around the tensioner or belt.

Nothing can be easy.
 
#4 ·
As for the repair and the whirring, I'd lean toward the whirring as a problem. A bearing may be bad somewhere in the serpentine track and/or the belt is making the noise.
 
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Discussion starter · #5 ·
The shop is going to replace the compressor again as they don't feel it's anything else. They can't get a new one until next Tuesday, so I have to wait now. Not happy, but what can I do but dance the dance with them?

Should I also expect them to replace the receiver/drier again since they're cracking the system open again? It was just replaced with the current new compressor.
 
#6 ·
Not really necessary this time.
 
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#7 ·
As long as they pull a good vacuum for a while, the drier shouldn't be a problem? assuming the current compressor hasn't shredded itself apart and sent shrapnel thru the system.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Thanks guys.

I read online that "anytime the system is opened the receiver drier must be replaced because the desiccant bag is immediately saturated by the air that gets into the system" but, the more I think about it, that can't be right. I mean, to replace it, you have to open the system. So unless there's some sort of magical "activation" that happens, that statement has to be BS, right?

As far as shrapnel, well it's making the same noise as it was before (in my opinion) although the mechanic says it's not. He did mention the possibility of crap in the system, but came to the conclusion it was caught in time since it's still blowing cold air and the pressures (both hi and low) look correct, meaning the condenser should be fine. The mechanic said he's heard many compressors go bad in his day and usually it's a different noise, sort of a knocking, scraping, etc. (I don't know how to characterize this sound??) The compressor is unplugged for now just in case.

I guess I'll see when the compressor is replaced. All I know is it was quiet before as are the compressors on the other vehicles I own. They had said some compressors make noise while "breaking in", but I don't buy that. The compressors on brand new cars are brand new and they're silent.

I'm a bit of a Nervous Nellie by nature so having someone work on my vehicle gets me on full alert and this situation is driving me nuts! LOL
 
#9 ·
shadango said:
I read online that "anytime the system is opened the receiver drier must be replaced because the desiccant bag is immediately saturated by the air that gets into the system" but, the more I think about it, that can't be right. I mean, to replace it, you have to open the system. So unless there's some sort of magical "activation" that happens, that statement has to be BS, right?
Click to expand...
I'm out of my element, however would agree with you.

As for needing to replace since it's already new, I also agree it should be fine with a proper vacuum down under pressure for the recharge once again. If you're concerned, find out what they're willing to warranty it all for at this point and then keep an eye on it.

IndyDurango
 
#10 ·
Unless the new compressor has come apart or they didn't get all of the junk out of the system prior to charging it the last time, they shouldn't have to replace it. Although to be totally safe, you might ask them about that.
 
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Discussion starter · #11 ·
An update

Last Wed the shop scheduled me to come back yesterday to replace the compressor, the guy said he felt the noise wasn't normal. Once I got home with the truck last Wed he called and said I should unplug the compressor (again) just in case. So I did.

Fast forward a week.

Took it in yesterday and assumed they were replacing the compressor. He calls me at 1:30 or so and tells me they were working on it all day and then took it to another shop that specializes in A/C. He tells me that shop says some compressors (new/refurbished) make noise when "breaking in." so they want me to drive it for a week. They tell me they feel the noise "is fading away now."

Ok, so I pick it up and it's just as loud as ever! It's a loud whirring sound that's hard to describe, but it only happens when the compressor is engaged. They tell me if it doesn't go away in a week, they'll replace the compressor again. I still say the noise is exactly the same as when I first took it to them to get replaced. At first I thought maybe it was slightly different but, after driving it a bit, I'm convinced it's the same noise.

I've also never heard of a "break in" period on new compressors?? I've bought a few brand new cars and they never made noise when using the A/C and I had the compressor in my Dakota replaced a years ago and it made no noise. The compressors in my other two cars make no noise and this truck's compressor never made a sound until now. Have you guys ever heard of new compressors making noise during "break in?"
 
#12 ·
Not the two I've dealt with, one for my 1980 Mercedes diesel and one for my 83 El Camino. Neither made any noise after install and I was there when they first started the engine.
 
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Discussion starter · #16 ·
I have no reason NOT to trust the shop right now I guess, they did some fine work for me in the past, but I'm starting to feel like I'm getting the runaround. And the more I sniff around online, the more I get that feeling. Seems like no one else has heard of A/C compressors having to "break-in."

I'm doing my best to believe the sound is somehow "different" from when I brought it in to them, but every time I drive it I'm hearing what I heard when I first got concerned about the problem originally. The shop owner listened to the noise for about a minute and the second guy at the shop never heard the original noise. I've been listening to it far longer and it hasn't "faded" at all to my ears like they seem to think.

I guess all I can do is trust them and wait to see what they do after a week or so. It's such a PITA and inconvenience though! Both my wife and I need our cars this time of year and the time and gas I've spent running back and forth to the shop is adding up.
 
#17 ·
Shouldn't make any noise at all. It sounds like the system didn't have enough refrigerant oil in it when they replaced compressor.
If it quiets with time, it's because the internals have worn to clearances. Tell him you want a new one now!
Steve
DOC Pres
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
I hear ya. It's not getting quieter and I think they just didn't want to go thru the hassle/expense of replacing the compressor again if there was any chance they could get out of it. I guess I can't blame them, but it seems to me everyone I've talked to says "A/C compressors don't need a break-in period" (new cars are a perfect example.)

I took some video last evening of the noise and, while you can't really tell where it's coming form, it at least records the noise for future comparison/use.

Dammit, why can nothing be easy? I went to this shop because I wanted it done quickly and so I wouldn't have to deal with it, the extra couple hundred in labor was worth it to me. Now it's going to be a month long plus ordeal (if I'm lucky!)
 
#19 ·
The problem at this point is, if the compressor is failing from within at all, all the metal pieces will be sent thru the system and all driers and filters will have to be changed again.
They're thinking penny smart and pound foolish!
Steve
DOC Pres
 
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shadango
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