A/C Compressor Loud rattle/tapping when engaged
12-04-2015, 10:37 AM
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Oklahoma
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1990 300CE
A/C Compressor Loud rattle/tapping when engaged
I've searched and searched but not found anything that sounds quite like what I'm experiencing.
1998 S320 - When the A/C first engages, it makes a pretty loud rattling or tapping sound for several seconds. Once the compressor is running it kind of fades out. I've read a couple things that indicate it could be liquid slugging of refrigerant, which can result from overcharging.
Just wondering if anyone else has seen this and how they fixed it. I'm not opposed to replacing the compressor, but I don't want to waste the money (and time) if it's not really bad. The A/C cools just fine. It was like this all the way through our Oklahoma summer and it performed great. The noise occurs more frequently now that it's cooler outside, because the compressor cycles a lot more frequently. So if it's not really a bad compressor, I don't want to damage it by letting this continue. Any input is greatly appreciated.
1998 S320 - When the A/C first engages, it makes a pretty loud rattling or tapping sound for several seconds. Once the compressor is running it kind of fades out. I've read a couple things that indicate it could be liquid slugging of refrigerant, which can result from overcharging.
Just wondering if anyone else has seen this and how they fixed it. I'm not opposed to replacing the compressor, but I don't want to waste the money (and time) if it's not really bad. The A/C cools just fine. It was like this all the way through our Oklahoma summer and it performed great. The noise occurs more frequently now that it's cooler outside, because the compressor cycles a lot more frequently. So if it's not really a bad compressor, I don't want to damage it by letting this continue. Any input is greatly appreciated.
12-15-2015, 12:34 PM
#2
Out Of Control!!
Yep, sounds like the ball bearings within the electromagnetic AC compressor clutch are going---I have been told that the price of the clutch is almost as expensive as a replacement compressor---however it is only time before------
