What Causes Loud Noise from Car Compressor?
4 Answers
It may be caused by the vibration of the compressor during operation, leading to repeated collisions and noise in the external unit's pipelines. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Car Air Conditioning Structure: The car air conditioning system is generally composed of the compressor, electronic control clutch, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, receiver-drier, pipelines, condenser fan, vacuum solenoid valve, idle speed controller, and control system. 2. Car Compressor Specifications: Under normal conditions, when the compressor operates at 1500-2000 rpm, the high-pressure side is around 1.5-2.0 MPa, while the low-pressure side is around 0.15-0.35 MPa. If the ambient temperature around the vehicle is high, the high pressure may reach about 2.5-2.8 MPa, but it generally does not exceed 3.1 MPa.
I've been driving for ten years. Common causes of loud compressor noise include worn or damaged compressor bearings, resulting in a roaring or humming sound during operation; issues with the belt system, such as loose, worn, or cracked belts, causing squeaking; insufficient refrigerant or leaks, leading to abnormal compressor operation and increased noise due to pressure changes; additionally, loose housing mounting screws can amplify vibration sounds, making them louder. When checking, I first listen to the location of the noise to confirm if it's from the air conditioning system, then test the belt tension or use a pressure gauge to check the refrigerant level. If problems are found, address them promptly to prevent the noise from worsening, affecting air conditioning performance, or even increasing fuel consumption. Finally, it's recommended to visit a repair shop for a thorough inspection.
My car usage experience tells me that the increase in compressor noise is mostly due to mechanical components. For example, aging compressor bearings can produce a continuous sound; poor belt condition, such as being loose or having cracks, can cause friction noise; when the refrigerant level is low, the compressor will work harder and emit a whining sound; loose mounting brackets may also cause additional vibration noise. To save money, I usually perform simple checks myself: start the engine and turn off the air conditioning to see if the noise stops; check if the belt is smooth and free of cracks; test if the refrigerant pressure is normal. These small tips can help detect problems early and save unnecessary repair costs, but if the noise is very loud or there is a strange odor, it's time to call in a professional.
My car's air conditioning compressor also used to be very noisy, usually caused by a low-pitched noise from bearing damage; squeaking from loose or worn belts; insufficient refrigerant increasing the compressor's load, resulting in abnormal roaring; loose fasteners like screws can also amplify vibrations. These noises are not only annoying but may also indicate system failures. If not addressed promptly, the air conditioning cooling will deteriorate, increasing the engine's burden and affecting driving safety. I make it a habit to check whenever I hear noises to prevent worsening.
