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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: J5H VW on 28 January 2008, 13:35

Title: Sounds expensive...
Post by: J5H VW on 28 January 2008, 13:35
With all the hype of hoping to get my car remapped, I just went out for a lunchtime spin.  Only thing is, I have found an issue that I think is going to be expensive to fix.  With the car running, I can hear a low pitched screeching/gringing noise.  I opened the bonnet, and spotted the fans were running - so I switched the climate control to ECON.  The noise stopped (as did the fans).

My question is, I think its the air con compressor that is screwed, as I can make the noise come and go by switching ECON on and off.  Does this sound reasonable?  Only other thing I can think of is that it could be related to the fan - but need to drive the car hard enough for it to heat up and force them to come on, without the air con being on.

What would you guys think?  Oh....and if it is the air con compressor, im guessing this is expensive....! :sick:
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: Chris 'N' Jen on 28 January 2008, 13:39
Iv heard that the ac compressor is massive money. maybe if worst happens try eblag for a breaker.

You could try some WD40 on the fan bearings. maybe a step in the right direction. cant imagine it would hurt.

 :smiley:
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: 1688bran on 28 January 2008, 13:45
With all the hype of hoping to get my car remapped, I just went out for a lunchtime spin.  Only thing is, I have found an issue that I think is going to be expensive to fix.  With the car running, I can hear a low pitched screeching/gringing noise.  I opened the bonnet, and spotted the fans were running - so I switched the climate control to ECON.  The noise stopped (as did the fans).

My question is, I think its the air con compressor that is screwed, as I can make the noise come and go by switching ECON on and off.  Does this sound reasonable?  Only other thing I can think of is that it could be related to the fan - but need to drive the car hard enough for it to heat up and force them to come on, without the air con being on.

What would you guys think?  Oh....and if it is the air con compressor, im guessing this is expensive....! :sick:

 i saw an air compressor for sale on ebay right now , so it might save u a bit of money ...
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: J5H VW on 28 January 2008, 13:52
Just been searching the site for help - if it is the compressor, it IS expensive.  Will try the WD40 on the fan, but I think its the compressor from what I have read.  Will check out ebay too.
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: topher on 28 January 2008, 13:54
Sounds like when my compressor clutch went. I managed to get a brand new compressor and condensor off ebeg for 300 notes, had it fitted the same time as cambelt change to save on labour costs. The dealer wanted about 1500 quid to supply/fit.
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: J5H VW on 28 January 2008, 13:56
Is it something you can fit yourself, or does it need some more advanced tools etc?
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: topher on 28 January 2008, 14:02
Doesnt need any special tools just a fair amount of time and patience (i dont have either).. if its been slipping over the aircon pulley you'll want a new drive belt too. Then you need to get someone to re-gas your system.
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: J5H VW on 28 January 2008, 14:04
Need to look into this, but guess its not urgent if its just the air con compressor - will just have to open the windows!

Remap might take priority!
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: Chris 'N' Jen on 28 January 2008, 14:29
Need to look into this, but guess its not urgent if its just the air con compressor - will just have to open the windows!

Remap might take priority!

1 thing to consider mate.

you are ment to run the ac for approx 20 mins each week to keep all the seals wet so they dont degrade. A remap would come before ac in my book too.  :evil:
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: J5H VW on 28 January 2008, 14:48
Nice to see the members of this forum are all on the same wavelength!

I actually keep it running all the time - perhaps that is what screwed it up!  Weird how on another forum/website, it says these normally give up the ghost after 100,000 miles.  I just hit 102,000!

Perhaps its an "engineered lifespan".

Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: Chris 'N' Jen on 28 January 2008, 15:20
Having it on all the time will cause it to wear out quicker than if you only ran it for 20 mins a week as the ac pump in infact a consumable as any moving part is.

 :smiley:
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: J5H VW on 28 January 2008, 16:21
Yeah, i guess so.  will have to pay for it now!
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: Chris 'N' Jen on 28 January 2008, 16:25
Did you try the WD40 on the fan bearings?
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: J5H VW on 28 January 2008, 17:20
Not tried that yet, will do tonight.  Need to get a can on the way home. Fingers crossed it might work, but all the signs point at the air con compressor.
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: Chris 'N' Jen on 28 January 2008, 18:16
know the feeling when your clutching at straws.
 :sad:


Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: Saffa on 28 January 2008, 21:06
It sounds like you are right in saying it's the compressor. this is common problem.
If your thinking of changing it yourself, get the air con system drained of refrigerant before you undo the pipes, or it will spay it all over your hand, and it will bl##dy hurt. and can be very dangerous.
I might have one in my garage, what year is your golf, as the connectors changed around 2000 model year.
Jochen.
Title: Re: Sounds expensive...
Post by: J5H VW on 29 January 2008, 08:54
Sounds good saffa - mine is the 2001 ("Y reg") model year.  Its an AUM engine, 150bhp, DBW.  Let me know mate.