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I am using a Swift Vxi (2006) which has done around 70k km. Now it has developed a strange problem. Its AC compressor has started making strange noise, which sounds like the cooling fan is hitting with the radiator/condenser. Its pretty loud clutter. It happens mostly when the car is warm/slightly heated and at idling, mostly in case of traffic jam and bumper to bumper driving.
Although the cooling is unaffected yet the noise makes it unbearable and I have to switch it off.

I have shown it to various mechanics and they told me that it is manufacturing defect in Swift and once started this problem cannot be resolved by any means.

Please help. please:

Not too clear whether you mean the sound is coming from the compressor (worn compressor bearing) From what you have mentioned, it looks like the blades of the cooling fan have been damaged or warped and are hitting the condensor fairing. AFAIK, this can be rectified by replacing the cooling fan assembly.

Do a visual inspection of the fan assembly in the engine bay and you should be able to see if there is a problem.

Sorry to confuse, Actually the sound is coming from the compressor only. I am trying to explain the type of sound (How does it sounds like). The fan/condenser/radiator are all well. The sound from compressor sounds like that (as if fan hitting somewhere, cutterrrr..)

Moreover the mechanic says that there is no compressor bearing and nothing can be done with the compressor.

The mechanic is wrong. The compressor most definitely bearings. Where are you getting this checked? Is it a local workshop or a MASS?

A restriction inside the a/c system can also starve the compressor for oil. Oil circulates with the refrigerant, so if the orifice tube or expansion valve is blocked it may cause the compressor to run dry and seize. Even if a compressor is still turning, it may be making excessive noise or not working correctly.

Loud knocking noises can sometimes be caused by air in the system (the cure here is to vacuum purge the system to remove the unwanted air, then to recharge the system with refrigerant).

Metallic noises and bearing noise are usually signals that the compressor is about to fail.

Would recommend that you get it checked at a MASS.

Thanks for the reply, I have got it checked from MASS only and they simply suggested to replace the compressor. As per them they cannot do anything with compressor and once it start developing the problem, it has to be replaced. Someone in the workshop suggested me to get it checked from some car AC specialist, who also suggested me the same.

However nobody took the guarantee that the problem will not occur even after the compressor is changed. This has left me baffled about the situation.

On your suggestion I would again get it checked preferably from some other MASS to get a second opinion though.

I think you should visit a mechanic which deals in Car A.C. Repairs only, they are work more closely with customers in solving the problem, and Authorized services will always ask you to replace the whole unit.

I was given a budget of 25k from authorized center on some issue with A.C., while at Car A.C. mechanic it was repaired for Rs.900/- only, and I've been running the A.C. for last few months heavily after this repair and it works fine.

Dude, your AC compressor is gone I had the same problem in my Zen, there are two options for you, change the compressor which will set you back by 30k , the other option is to get the compressor repaired by a known mechnec.
heres what i did, MASS has quoted 21K to change my compressor which was making the same noise as you have mention, I called up my trusted mechenic and he repaired the compressor for 5K, I did take him two days to make the compressor.
Since your swift has already completed 71K on odo, the compressor might have gone weak, It happens with all maruti cars, I can give you my mechenic No. By the way where do you stay?

Uday

This is a good suggestion and a very cost effective one as well. You can check the technical stuff thread, recently one of the Bhp-ians got his a/c compressor serviced from an outside dealer (Subros I think?) somewhere near Brigade road. You could also PM him for feedback.

You can get it checked at another MASS, but I fail to understand why the problem will re-occur if you replace the defective component which in your case is the compressor.

Cheers,
gpa

Exactly MASS have told me to go for replacement only, surprisingly they told me that it is always a sealed unit and cannot be repaired by any means, once opened its gone (cannot be sealed again). Is it really so ?

I put up at Rohini (New Delhi), your inputs would be highly appreciated :)

Even I was very much surprised but their reply, they did not clarify the reason for the same, but the point was that perhaps the compressor itself is not very reliable, as they pointed some similar replacements (which were incidentely done in warranty). They (AC mech + MASS) also pointed out that it (noise) would never affect the cooling of AC and I should continue without bothering much about noise. However I cannot live with it, it actually spoils the taste of peaceful and otherwise serene drive. I certainly want to sort it out even if it does no harm to cooling.

Guys, I am faced with the same issue in my Esteem. The A/C chillness and air throw are pretty good and the only issue is the noise from the compressor.(I have not had any issues with the A/C in the last 6 years of owning the car) I had got two different opinions on this - one from M.A.S.S and the other from the local A/C mechanic.

M.A.S.S - Noise in compressor can be rectified by replacing the bearing and changing the compressor oil. This is not done by M.A.S.S but done by "Subros". M.A.S.S just faclilitates the same.

Local A/C Mech - The noise in the compressor cannot be arrested even if the bearing is changed. Replacing the oil will only help.

I am confused on what I should be doing. Please advise. The car has clocked 25K on the odo till date.

Just 25K in 6 yrs. i.e approx 4K per yr. You are one rare user of your car. :)

Well, not exactly. I was away in the US for about 2.5 years during which the car was hardly used. :)

I would strongly recommend you both to check with atleast 2 A.C. Repair wala's

I am sure it should be repairable, but a second advice before getting it opened or even replaced is much better than regretting after spending thousands of hard earned money.

rr_zen,

The answer to your problem is in my posts below. If you can find a really good a/c mechanic/dealer to fix the problem, then please go to them rather than take it to a MASS. You will save close to Rs. 5,000 by doing this.

Cheers,
gpa

Now can anyone please suggest any good AC/compressor mech. in Delhi please: