Peugeot 208 1.0 - Engine rattle when aircon is on (Help!)

[MBE1991]

Hi All

Firstly, happy new years, I hope 2023 will be a great one.

I'm hoping to get some advice here over a problem with my SO's 2014 Peugeot 208 1.0 Vti (3 Cyl), approx 95,000km on the clock

The vehicle went in for a big service at Peugeot about a month ago, and at that service they replaced the "Accessory Control Belt". The engine runs well, but when the aircon is switched on, this grinding sound starts from what I believe is the aircon compressor. The aircon still works but the noise from the engine bay is a bit disconcerting.

Before I head back to the dealership, I would appreciate some input as to what this noise could be and what the fix is so that I don't get the wool pulled over my eyes at the stealership. Please see the video in this post (and excuse my commentary)

Thanks all.

[miniman]

A/C compressor, needs replacing.

[Decky_Q]

Your compressor bearings are knackered, the aux belt can be adjusted in tension using the alternator, my guess without seeing it is that the belt is very tight and has pulled the bearing when running. Check the belt deviation to stop any more pulleys getting knackered and fit refurb compressor.

[MBE1991]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I just dragged up the invoice for the work carried out at the dealership and they do speak about the Aux belt. Now 2 questions:

1. Can I be reasonably certain that the dealership is to blame for the issue I have by misfitting the belt?
2. Can the vehicle be driven in the mean time without using the aircon, or is that not advisable - Why or why not?

Thanks again

[Sebring440]

MBE1991 said:

1. Can I be reasonably certain that the dealership is to blame for the issue I have by misfitting the belt?

Why do you think they are to blame? How could replacing the belt wear out your A/C compressor bearings almost instantly?

[VanDiesel99]

there could be any number of possibilities. Maybe the Bearings were about to let go and the new, possibly slightly tighter belt accelerated this process

AFAIK the days of manually adjustable tension on Aux Belts are gone, instead there's usually / always a spring loaded tensioner; so while an over-tightened belt might contribute to the failure of a Bearing in a pulley; its probably not possible, and you're certainly not going to be able to prove it

I'd suggest the questions your SO might want to ask are...

1: do I want to fight with the Dealership, even if I suspect they've done something wrong. Could I possibly win? [I very much doubt it] ...and is it worth the headache?

2: might I speak to them and suggest that this is all a bit coincidental; and I'm upset about it; then gauge how I feel about their response. (not to mention that a failure such as this at a meagre 95k is a bit 'early'). Maybe the product is shoddy.... I certainly wouldn't touch a modern Peugeot with a barge pole... (though I used to be very fond of the brand and I exclusively ran 1990's Peugeots for getting on for 200,000miles in all from 2006 to 2021)

2: am I going to fix this, or shall I just disable the AC by, for instance disconnecting the switch or the relevant fuse? Here in the UK climate, AC isn't really necessary.