I think my air con compressor has gone south!

I run with the air con on all weathers / all temperatures

Started to get a loud noise like some one hitting a galvanised dustbin lid with a tympani mallet, usually on overrun when slowing down and then continuing from there until engine speed picks up again. On observation in the engine bay I can see the freewheel pulley wobbling about and "a tinkling noise" can be heard. Everything else seems to be going around OK. The outer cover is loose, can be pulled forward a bit.

Can find 2nd hand for @ £50, so easier to take to my friendly air con people and do a swap, or is there another fix? .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Last edited by Joe90 on 2nd Mar 2018 10:36am. Edited 1 time in total

It sounds like the clutch pack has failed, and these can be replaced.

If you're interested, I've got a spare good working compressor that you can have for £46 including delivery. Current:
- 2017 L405 3.0 V6 Autobiography
Sold:
- 2013 L405 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
- 2004 L322 4.4 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 2002 L322 4.4 HSE (having fixed timing chain guides)
- 2000 P38 4.6 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 1981 2-door In-Vogue
- 1980 Ex-Army SIII LWB
- 1976 SIII LWB
- 1968 SIIA
Stripped for parts:
- 2003 L322 4.4 Vogue

Sounds like clutch & pulley assembly problems. Likely the pulley bearings have gone west so its not properly aligned even when the clutch is engaged.

Unhitch the belt and try wiggling the pulley. If it wobbles almost certainly bearing(s) which should be a straightforward fix if you can source the bearing(s). Need to do something fast tho' as extra stress will be bad for the compressor bearings.

If you can get a known good compressor for £50 swop is best & fastest option. I'd grab yours back tho' and investigate at my leisure. If a simple bearing change fixes it for not too much dosh then wrap up well and store just in case the known good replacement turns out not so good a year ors o down the line.

Googling around suggest you can find a new one for £150 - £200.

Clive

Thank chaps. Too flaming cold and snowy to do any lying around on the drive under the car at the moment. I am guessing I can do the swap myself if I get the system degassed... .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Jo, In the meantime turn the AC off if you gonna wait for some sunshine and warmer temps.

@ Nino good point  .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

OK its Captain Obvious speaking but surely you have checked that the electromagnetic clutch and pulley assembly are still firmly attached. I've seen the odd report of the centre bolt working loose or even falling out completely.

Clive

As said too cold to roll about in the gravel, but will check tomorrow before driving anywhere... .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Hmmm

Seems the noise is not engine rotation speed or road speed (wheel rotation) related

It is (now) like a very loud version of the FBH when it first starts up, and occurs randomly after/during slowing to a stop and moving off again (usually from speed - 50mph to 0) Lasts for 20-30 seconds until drowned by engine noise whilst picking up speed and then seems to quieten down and stop.

Noise seems to come from the FL area when in the driving seat, so could be anything from the HVAC to the FBH

The air con compressor is still tinkling away, so that will get changed anyway.

Any ideas ? .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999