Groaning sound when a/c is turned on

[sispy]

Hello everyone, there is a weird groaning sound in my 03 Expy when the a/c is turned on. Lasts for less than a second, but enough to be a concern, aside from an annoyance. Sounds mechanical to me, I've been thinking about the compressor's clutch or something. Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[ELVATO]

I think I may know what you mean. Sometimes, when I turn on the A/C, there is sort of a rather loud low frequency "rumble." If you pay attention, you can kinnda feel it through the floor.

Any similarities?

 

[sispy]

It's something similar but with kind of a grinding growl. Afterwards it keeps functioning normal. I just hope it's not the compressor giving signs of wear.

 

[green03]

Mine does that too.....

 

[danketchpel]

I also hear a similar sound when turning on the A/C but mostly when it hasn't been used for a while. If I've been running it frequently I don't hear it.

Otherwise it works fine.

 

[smo0othride]

be happy your a/c works... nobody can find the leak in mine.

 

[pronstar]

Originally posted by danketchpel
I also hear a similar sound when turning on the A/C but mostly when it hasn't been used for a while. If I've been running it frequently I don't hear it.

Otherwise it works fine.

Not sure if tis is related...but keep in mind that the A/C system is lubricated via the refrigerant. It's good practice to run the system about once per week or so, to make sure it's lubricated internally.

Believe it or not, my 1997 has never given me one A/C issue, and is still on the factory-fill refrigerant.

 

[NCEXP]

I think Pronstar has that one tagged. Mine does the grinding on occasion and seems to do better if i run it more often. Right now it's seldom off!

However, mine has developed a constant ticking whenever the a/c's on. Anyone else experience this? Thanks.

 

[AvroAero]

Your not talking about the engine growling from low rpms are you? My ex growns a bit with the ac on but thats because I have an exhaust on it.

If you feel it in the floor its just the computer taking a second to compensate for the added load.

 

[NCEXP]

It's a ticking that only occurs when the a/c is on and has just recently started. The rate of ticking correlates to the engine speed. It's not loud enough to hear inside the cab with the windows up.

 

[Chris]

I get that groaning sound everytime I crank up sometimes its louder than others. Everyone I talk too with an Exp. has that problem