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Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: VXL V6 on 24 December 2007, 14:28:31

Title: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: VXL V6 on 24 December 2007, 14:28:31
I have just replaced the tensioner for the Aux belt in an attempt to cure a 'metalic rattle' upon startup, the old one was past it's best anyway so required changing.

I still have the rattling sound and by pressing ECO it disappears, It only lasts about 20 seconds from a cold (ie left overnight) start then is fine even when restarting 7 or so hours later. My thoughts are that the new Aux Belt, a genuine VX item is applying a bit more tension and showing up failing bearings in the Aircon Compressor.

Is this a do-able job or shall I take it to an Aircon specialist? Is there anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 24 December 2007, 14:45:37
Noisy alternator bearings is normlay a sign of a steam clean or pressure wash at some point in the past.

You can change the bearings in situ but need a puller and fitting tool which I plan to obtain in the new year to allow me to -rebearing a couple of aircon pumps I have.

As for the new belt.....its the tensioner that applies the tension...not the belt, so the tension is unlikely to have changed.
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: VXL V6 on 24 December 2007, 14:50:34
Thanks Mark

Am I correct in assuming that if the bearings are replaced in situ then the system does not need to be evacuated?

Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 24 December 2007, 15:03:31
Correct....you can pull the clutch asembly without affecting the aircon gas.
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: sassanach on 24 December 2007, 15:09:25
if the noise disappears when eco is pressed then surely its the compressor itself that has the problem not the clutch/nose bearing?
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: VXL V6 on 24 December 2007, 15:11:07
Great! One less thing then! Perhaps when it's a bit warmer I could give you a call?

Thanks
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: sassanach on 24 December 2007, 15:15:40
has it been regassed recently?
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: chrisdb on 24 December 2007, 15:23:17
Quote
Great! One less thing then! Perhaps when it's a bit warmer I could give you a call?

Thanks
Warmer? Do you live down south?  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: VXL V6 on 24 December 2007, 15:26:43
Hi Sassanach

Nope, hasn't been recharged or anything since i've owned it (6 Months) but the engine bay was clean when I bought it so would guess it had been steam / pressure cleaned.

I hadn't noticed until a new Aux belt / recent cold weather (-3 most mornings), so can't really say which one started it as they coincide! It's literally 20 Secs first thing in the morning and fine afterwards, as if a couple of rev's sorts out a dry bearing.

Seem to recall reading that the Aircon is automatically diasabled below +4?
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: sassanach on 24 December 2007, 15:38:05
steam cleaning will not affect the internals of the compressor but a lack of oil will. as the gas slowly leaks out (perfectly normal) it takes the oil with it,it could be that a simple evacuation and refill will sort it.when i do the ac on my vehicles i always  measure the oil removed and always add a little extra. one thing ive noticed a lot on omegas is the ac compressor is usually wet underneath (with ac oil, green colour)
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: VXL V6 on 24 December 2007, 15:48:11
There's an aircon specialist close to where I work, think he charged about £50 to do the evacuate, test and refill on my last car, does that sound about right?

Cheers
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: estaszew on 24 December 2007, 16:02:40
Quote
steam cleaning will not affect the internals of the compressor but a lack of oil will. as the gas slowly leaks out (perfectly normal) it takes the oil with it,it could be that a simple evacuation and refill will sort it.when i do the ac on my vehicles i always  measure the oil removed and always add a little extra. one thing ive noticed a lot on omegas is the ac compressor is usually wet underneath (with ac oil, green colour)

I definitely have the green oil as mentioned, but the ac works very well (always cold in the summer).  Is it easy to add oil, or would I have to take it to a specialist?
Title: Re: Aircon Compressor - Noisy Bearings?
Post by: sassanach on 24 December 2007, 16:38:03
£50 is about the going rate for a regass. you need professional equipment im afraid to add oil,however if everything works as it should with no adverse noises then i would'nt worry about it.