What's making this A/C noise?

[superbike7]

Okay just a quick update. Talked to a friend who is a mechanic today and he said it could be that the fan clutch could just need to be adjusted. He is gonna look at it this weekend. I called a local shop that has done real good work for me in the past. He said the compressor is pretty expensive for the Mazda 5. In order to change everything it would be $900!!!. It has been almost a week and the A/C is still working perfectly and the noise has not come back so I am hoping it was a one time thing. We'll see what my buddy says....

 

[flcruising]

This is a front wheel drive vehicle with the engine sitting transversely. This means that the fan is electric and therefore has no clutch and nothing to adjust.

The compressor is pricey, but alot of that cost is his labor, as the parts can be purchased for $400-600 total. And considering our a/c compressors are mounted on the bottom of the engine and extremely accessible, I wouldn't hesitate to replace this myself. Of course if this isn't something you are familiar with, it'd be best to leave it to a professional.

http://www.discountacparts.com/addt...ies~descript~A-C_Compressor~part~60-01814.asp

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAZD...QcategoryZ33543QQitemZ120607765574#vi-content

http://www.lowmileageparts.com/search.aspx?find=2007+mazda+5

 

[oaklandopen]

This is a front wheel drive vehicle with the engine sitting transversely. This means that the fan is electric and therefore has no clutch and nothing to adjust.

the compressor still has a clutch that will engage/disengage the compressor. Yes, the condenser fan is electric, but the compressor still relies on the serpentine belt for power


He probably did not mean the fan....at least one should hope not

 

[oaklandopen]

Whoops

 

[flcruising]

Yes, the compressor has a clutch, but you can't adjust that anyways.

 

[superbike7]

Sorry I meant to say compressor clutch, not fan clutch in my last post. He said there is a shim adjustment on Fords and likely one on the Mazda too. Anyhow he is gonna look at it Saturday. Thanks for the links SilentNoise and Flcruising. They should come in handy if something does need to be repaired.

 

[superbike7]

All right just got back home and there is nothing to worry about. He said the noise probably came from the belt which was worn, but not that bad. We checked the compressor clutch gap and it was .028in. It was within spec which is between .014-.035in., but he said it is better to be towards the lower number. We replaced the two thin washer/shims with one thicker one which brought the gap down to .018in. He said that should extend the life of the compressor. Needless to say I owe him a beer.

 

[flcruising]

Thanks for sharing as I didn't know the compressor clutch could be adjusted like this.

 

[oaklandopen]

Yes....very good info for future reference

 

[Borisward]

There could be problem with compressor. Replace it and you're done.


______________________
Ac Repair Oakland Park

 

[Wishmaster]

There could be problem with compressor. Replace it and you're done.

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