A/C grinding noise

LEEG108

MEMBER
2012 VAUXHALL ASTRA
1.6L
2WD
MANUAL
76,000 MILES

Hello.

When my A/C is on and I pull of it is making a grinding noise this also happens when I'm driving at low speed and changing gear. But it's still blowing cold air and working fine. What could be the issue? As well as this when the A/C is on I'd say the power of the car drops massively as well.

Thank you

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

It sounds like the bearings in the compressor are going bad. If you notice a big drop (more than before), it is most likely because the engine has to work much harder than normal to turn the compressor. If I had to guess, I suspect it will eventually lock up and could break. Since you know that is where the noise is coming from, I suspect it should be replaced.

Here are a couple links you may find helpful if you decide to replace it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe