Aircon started rattling (worse than normal!)

[BernieJ]

The aircon on my 2017 Aygo has started to make a loud rattle when operating.

I suspect maybe a loose pump or worn bearings. Can anyone advise how practical it would be to diagnose and what options are for repair/replacement.

I'd prefer to go the DIY route.

Thanks!

[Vandals01]

Loose pump... like loose internal?  Maybe.

Worn bearing...  faulty Air Condition compressor clutch? Yes, fairly common.

Unfortunately, Air Con isn't DIY friendly.   You need expensive equipment to pull the refrigerant out before you can disassemble the system.  After you have replace the parts, you'll need to pull the system into vacuum (so moisture doesn't freezes and block the entire system), then recharge the system with correct amount of refrigerant.

 

The only practical thing you can do at this point, is to find out where the rattle comes from.  The prime suspect will be the Air con Compressor, located underneath the car (number 5 in the following diagram).

You might have to jack the front of the car up and listen to it while the Air Con is in operation. (Careful and don't get yourself killed).

 

[BernieJ]

10 minutes ago, Vandals01 said:

Loose pump... like loose internal?  Maybe.

Worn bearing...  faulty Air Condition compressor clutch? Yes, fairly common.

Unfortunately, Air Con isn't DIY friendly.   You need expensive equipment to pull the refrigerant out before you can disassemble the system.  After you have replace the parts, you'll need to pull the system into vacuum (so moisture doesn't freezes and block the entire system), then recharge the system with correct amount of refrigerant.

 

The only practical thing you can do at this point, is to find out where the rattle comes from.  The prime suspect will be the Air con Compressor, located underneath the car (number 5 in the following diagram).

You might have to jack the front of the car up and listen to it while the Air Con is in operation. (Careful and don't get yourself killed).

 

Thanks - I'll have a listen underneath and see if I can narrow down the source of the noise.

Cheers,

Bernie