Air Conditioning Pump Noise

[emptybe]

Hi Peeps. Our 05 2.5t has developed a weird clattering noise. The garage said it is the air conditioning pump (or compressor - I can't remember). It spins constantly whether the air con is on or not. They've said approx £500 to replace it and the belt but I'm wondering if there is a way to turn off/disconnect it? (Sorry, I'm not particularly technically minded.)

I never use the air con so it's no big deal but would love to get rid of the noise.

[SwissXC90]

You want to remove the AC pump and fit something else in it's place?

Sure, get an engineering shop to engineer you a pully and bracket to hold it to replace the AC pump. you need the pully as the auxiliary drive belt that drives the AC also drives other items, and must remain in place.

But be aware that getting some pully made will:
a) likely cost more than just a replacement pump
b) lower the resale value of your car as it will now permanently have no AC

If you want to save a few pennies, just fit a 2nd hand AC pump from a wreckers.

[Tannaton]

The front pulley does spin all the time, the clutch for the a/c compressor is behind it.

If you've getting the noise all the time (even with the a/c off) and there's no doubt it's from the compressor - it will be the pulley bearing. The dealer will replace the whole compressor but it is possible to replace the bearing on its own and without de-gassing the a/c system

If you search this forum there are a few people who have done that.

Bearing costs circa £12 on e-bay.

[gmonag]

Originally Posted by emptybe

I never use the air con so it's no big deal but would love to get rid of the noise.

You do use the aircon if you have climate control. It runs all the time, even in winter, as it dries the air and stops misting of the windows.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by gmonag

You do use the aircon if you have climate control. It runs all the time, even in winter, as it dries the air and stops misting of the windows.

My understanding is the a/c is only on if you select it to be on (the a/c button illuminates when its on). I may be wrong?

You can still have the heater on or select a cooler temperature without the a/c compressor engaged. The pulley on the compressor spins all the time, but the clutch isn’t engaged at all times (if a/c is selected to be off). The a/c clutch only spins if the compressor is on/selected to be on.