What Causes Abnormal Noise in the Compressor After a Vehicle Crosses Water?
2 Answers
Vehicle crossing water after the compressor has abnormal noise causes are brake pads water ingress, exhaust pipe water ingestion, foreign objects trapped between the brake pads and calipers, or debris lodged in the chassis. Below are the specific causes and corresponding solutions for abnormal compressor noise after a vehicle crosses water: Brake pads water ingress: If the vehicle crosses shallow water and water splashes onto the brake pads, squealing when braking is normal. This condition only requires normal driving until the water on the brake pads wears off. Foreign objects on brake pads: If the vehicle crosses deep water and foreign objects such as plastic bags, paper, or mud get trapped on the brake pads, it can cause noise when braking. In this case, the brake pads should be cleaned. Exhaust pipe water ingestion: If the vehicle crosses deep water and water enters the engine through the exhaust pipe, it can prevent proper combustion of fuel and air mixture, leading to abnormal noise. The vehicle should be moved out immediately, and the engine should be cleaned to avoid engine failure or severe damage. If the vehicle stalls in the water, do not attempt to restart it; instead, call a tow truck to avoid secondary damage to the engine. Debris lodged in the chassis: If foreign objects get trapped in the chassis after crossing water, it can cause noise while driving. The chassis should be cleaned in this situation.
Abnormal noise from the compressor after wading through water is a common occurrence. The main issue is water seeping into the compressor system, mixing with the refrigerant oil and thinning the lubricant. This reduces its effectiveness in lubricating internal bearings and pistons, leading to metallic friction that causes squeaking or buzzing noises. Additionally, if the belt gets wet and slips, it can produce similar squealing sounds. Moreover, moisture can cause the compressor clutch to rust and seize or lead to short circuits in electrical components, resulting in abnormal noises. My advice is to avoid turning on the air conditioning immediately after wading through water. Wait a few minutes for the vehicle to dry before starting it to prevent water accumulation. If the noise persists, promptly visit a repair shop for inspection. Otherwise, the compressor may fail completely, affecting the entire air conditioning system's cooling performance and leading to higher repair costs. Regular maintenance to address sealing issues can prevent such problems proactively.