Aircon Noise

[r400c]

First question from a newbie having just picked up the car and inherited the sword this week!

The car (a Silver 2004 3R) is truly awesome and I haven't actually stopped grinning since I picked it up. Just one quick question so far:

Aircon very effective and fully operational but is accompanied by a very noticeable buzzing/whirring noise when turned on. Is this normal due to the close proximity of the aircon pump behind the driver or should it be silent/unoticeable?

Many thanks to anyone who can help!

[worty]

Is it the fan ?
Can you hear the noise without the aircon engaged ie no light on the switch. If you can it could be the fan. Mine creates a noise intermitantly - probably the bearings wearing out.

[obes]

Or it could be some grit stuck in the compressor wheel. I've had that recently. A quick blast of 3-in-1 soon sorted it out !

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

Mine's been quite noisy from day one. I'd bet there's nothing wrong with it.

[joust]

When you turn it on by pressing the button you'll get a clunk from the rear. The compressor is just behind your head mounted on the engine, and so some noise is quite normal.

However, a quick spay with lubricating oil (NOT on where the rubber belt goes around the pully!) may help.

J

[MisterX]

A noise like the one you describe has always been there on mine. As it sounds a bit like the noise from my fridge, and as it is of course a cooling system, I have thought nothing of it.

[V6GTO]

Mine has been like that from new. Talking to Richard at Vegantune the other day, he seems to think the fluid level might be a bit down, probably because they don't charge the pump before fitting.

Martin.

[hunttheshunt]

Yep mine makes a little whirrrr too but not surprising given the locale...unlike my gearbox which is currently a little louder!

[mc101]

Mine started making a little buzzing/whirring noise in the last few weeks -- doesn't appear to affect it working -- may take a look at the weekend and try the WD40 trick..

[Al D]

Thanks for all of the replies ... still can't quite describe just how happy I am with this car ... I simply can't stop smiling everytime I drive it!

As an aside, the 'R400C' logon has been ditched now that my Caterham R400 has gone to a new home (with that plate on it). Straight forward 'Al D' until perhaps I get my GTO3 plate?

[micknall]

The noise you're hearing is a characteristic of the air-con system and its location in the car. While it's on, you'll hear it click and whirr intermitently. Please do not worry.

Simon Huckall
Press Officer
Noble Automotive Ltd.

[Al D]

Thanks Simon