Noisy aircon??

[Mike McKinstry]

Hi Guys,
Sorry -quite new to VW problem solving so very glad I have found you!
When starting car I am getting a noise like a noisey fan/rough /grating almost mechanical noise and have now worked out this noise is only occurring when aircon is run.It does not appear to happen when aircon is off.It has also happened when car has been driving and can be heard over engine noise.
I am wondering if this is common and whether you think it is the aux belt tension that needs addressing or it could be something to do with the aircon compressor which I believe this belt drives.
Any ideas-also if it is aux tension how is this done and will the bumper have to come off yet again-already had off for cambelt/a headlight and a rad in 12 months of ownership.

[Lex Luthor]

The electric fan is often the culprit.
With the aircon on and I guess the noise present, the electric fan should be running at low speed.
Use a rag and gently stop the fan and see if the noise stops!
If the noise is still there it could be the aircon belt tensioner.
It can be pulled without moving the front into the service position and I have had some success re-lubricating the bearing.
Failing that it's the compressor itself. £££

[Mike McKinstry]

Thanks-could be fan as more revs would make noise disappear-I am right in thinking drivers side fan is running with aircon?I suppose i coud try and run fan by bridging terminals-dont know if there will be enough room to get in to plug-this would eliminate belt and comp.If fan is making noise is it bearings and a throw a way job do you think?


Thanks Mike

[snapdragon]

http://www.bba-reman.com/catalogue/D...ledProduct=112

"Zexel Aircon Compressor, spring washer holding the swash plate fails. Starts off sounding like a clutch bearing beginning to fail. DO NOT BE FOOLED. Eventually the washer breaks up and will destroy the piston and bores."

[Lex Luthor]

Thanks-could be fan as more revs would make noise disappear-I am right in thinking drivers side fan is running with aircon?I suppose i coud try and run fan by bridging terminals-dont know if there will be enough room to get in to plug-this would eliminate belt and comp.If fan is making noise is it bearings and a throw a way job do you think?

Thanks Mike

If it's the fan it costs about £60 from GSF.
The fan power connector runs to the little panel beside the power-steering reservoir. Look for the thick black and red wires.
It's not hard to stop the fan by friction if it is not at full speed.
The electric fan runs when the aircon is on, or when the coolant is too hot.

[davegwynn]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I also have a noisey aircon issue. 'tis always squeaking away, worse when aircon is on than off. Looks to me like it is the clutch on the front of the unit that has gone. The aircon has been disconnected since I got the car, but I put the belt back on a month ago to test it and it still blew cold. Do you think that a) 'tis the clutch, and b) the clutch is replaceable without having to de-gas the system? It's not worth a new compressor on the car (new compressor £500, car only cost me thrice that)..
If the OP's problem isn't the fan - it might be a similar problem to mine..