What are the causes and solutions for abnormal noise in car air conditioning compressors?
3 Answers
Below are the causes and solutions for abnormal noise in car air conditioning compressors: 1. Electromagnetic clutch failure: The electromagnetic clutch cannot engage properly, slips, or is damaged. Inspect the clutch solenoid valve coil and readjust the clutch gap according to specifications. 2. Compressor bearing damage: Severe wear of the compressor bearing causes looseness. Replace the compressor bearing. 3. Internal compressor component damage: Internal parts or assemblies of the compressor are damaged. Replace the damaged internal components or the entire compressor assembly. 4. Excessive or insufficient refrigerant: Too much or too little refrigerant. If excessive, drain the excess; if insufficient, identify the cause of the leak.
Last time I was driving long-distance on the highway, the air conditioning started making that harsh clicking noise, so I quickly pulled over to check. There are several common causes for this kind of compressor noise: the compressor itself may be aging, with severely worn bearings causing friction noise during operation; the belt could be either too loose and slipping or too tight, straining the compressor components; another possibility is insufficient refrigerant or a leak, causing the compressor to work overloaded and vibrate excessively. For a solution, I think it's best to first check the belt yourself—if it's loose, adjust the bolt, but most of the time, you'll need to go to a professional repair shop. The technician will test the pressure, refill the refrigerant, or directly replace the compressor bearings. Don’t delay, or the noise will only get worse, and a broken compressor will cost even more. For regular maintenance, periodically inspect the air conditioning system, and replacing the cabin air filter before the summer heat can also help.
I just bought this used car not long ago, and the air conditioning suddenly started buzzing when stuck in city traffic, which gave me a scare. After checking the possible causes, it's most likely due to insufficient refrigerant or a loose compressor belt. Additionally, internal components of the compressor, like the pistons, might be worn out. For a solution, I first tried checking the belt tension myself by adjusting the tensioner with a wrench. If that doesn't work, I'll head to a repair shop to top up the refrigerant, which should cost around a couple hundred bucks. To save money, you can first refer to the manual for DIY steps, but don't push it too far—if the compressor breaks down completely, replacing it would be much more expensive. By the way, with AC issues, rolling down the windows in summer doesn't help much with the heat, so it's best to address the problem promptly. Also, parking in the shade can help reduce the strain on the system.
