PDA

View Full Version : Is your AC compressor audible when running?



notnothing
02-12-2011, 04:47 PM
Hi all. First post here, I just bought a nice '99 Mk.4 GTI a week ago and I've been loving it. Only 72,000km and immaculate.

One thing concerns me. When I switch on the AC, I can actually hear the compressor whirring away. It's not especially loud, but when I'm sitting idle at the lights with the stereo off, it's definitely noticeable. The AC works just fine and is cold, but I'm worried that the compressor is about to grenade, as it's a known weak point on this era of VW.

I'm about to take it to a local AC shop to get an opinion, but I suspect that I'll be advised to replace the compressor regardless. It's true that if the compressor goes, the entire system will need a thorough clear-out. My hope is that it only needs the oil/refrigerant changed and a new receiver-dryer.


TL;DR, is your AC compressor actually audible when running? Is mine about to compress my bank account?

notnothing
08-12-2011, 02:27 PM
No takers for this one? No biggie. To follow up, I had the refrigerant flushed and the oil in the compressor changed, so it's running a bit smoother. The AC mechanic admitted it's a bit noisy, should get a few years out of it still. In the mean time, its working well enough to frost over the windows.
Cheers