Noisy Aircon

[welshnobby]

Alas the weather has finally reached sufficient temperatures to warrant the aircon to be in use. Unfortunately as soon as i engage the requisit button a low grade whine starts. This goes immediately once the snow flake aircon button in switched back off. I notice it most whilst in slow moving traffic. Anyone else had this? I've not found anything in the search facility.

Thanks in advance

Nobby (996)

[verysideways]

Likely to be a loose belt or a bearing.
Have you used your aircon at least once every couple of weeks, all year round?

If you left a car with the handbrake on for 6 months and then came back and the brake calipers were seized, would you be surprised?

[welshnobby]

verysideways said:

Likely to be a loose belt or a bearing. Have you used your aircon at least once every couple of weeks, all year round? If you left a car with the handbrake on for 6 months and then came back and the brake calipers were seized, would you be surprised?

...i have used the car most weekends throught the winter but not used the aircon for long periods. Usually just to clear the mist on a rainy day. I expect you are right re belt/bearing. I'm going on a 150mile trip this evening so i'll use it then and see if the problem resolves or remains. Thanks for the advice. She is in for a major service next week so i'll mention it to the OPC then.

[verysideways]

If you open the engine lid and can see the aircon compressor then you may be able to figure out if it sounds like a belt or a bearing - if the bearing is dry, try squirting something on the shaft (not WD40, but an actual lubricant like bicycle chain oil).
Could be the cheapest fix ever

just have to wait for nervy to come up with a shaft/lubricant joke now

[welshnobby]

...thanks for the tip. Fingers crossed