Viano/Vito Owners - Is you aircon loud or noisy? (OM651 2.2)

[MinionBob]

The aircon on my Viano has a very noticeable burble/grumble to it. It is not a very loud noise but for some reason seems to be very penetrating; You seem to be able to hear it all the time, over everything.

Before I start diagnosing, are other vans the same? Its more noticeable on the passenger side.

It is there most of the time when the aircon is on, and is a deep grumble/burble/rumble noise. Unlike a bad bearing, the tone changes quite often.

The aircon was regassed around 12 months ago (it was not in need of gas - done as part of routine) and made no difference to the noise.

 

[Kev555]

Never experienced an air con making noise unless the clutch on the air con pump or the pump itself. Is it cooling ok? Unless they over filled it ? Has it been making the noises since it was refilled?

 

[John Laidlaw]

Noisy when empty too..

 

[MinionBob]

Hi Kev

It cools just fine

It made the grumbly noise before and after the regas with no change post-regas.

Aircon systems are pretty simple really with few moving parts - I'm thinking its either the compressor or the expansion valve. I have a mechanics stethoscope on the way to see if it helps pinpoint the problem.

 

[Kev555]

Noisy when empty too..

Aircon usually doesnt come on when gas is low John as a safety measure unless somebody has hot wired the solenoid or switch that keeps this from happening, possibly to re-gas it at some point

 

[alexanderfoti]

Is it only on with the AC engaged (eg not related to interior fan speed?)

Overcharged systems can make grumbling groaning noise.

 

[MinionBob]

Is it only on with the AC engaged (eg not related to interior fan speed?)

Overcharged systems can make grumbling groaning noise.

Yes, only when A/C turned on. Happens at any fan speed 1 to 4.

I don't think it is overcharged as this happened before and after a routine de-gas and re-gas (and the guy who owned the van before me was not the sort of person to have a routine regas!)

 

[alexanderfoti]

Yes, only when A/C turned on. Happens at any fan speed 1 to 4.

I don't think it is overcharged as this happened before and after a routine de-gas and re-gas (and the guy who owned the van before me was not the sort of person to have a routine regas!)

Then check the pressures are in spec, potentially a compressor failure, or partially blocked system

 

[MinionBob]

Then check the pressures are in spec, potentially a compressor failure, or partially blocked system

Thanks - the pressure check is a good idea, blocked system also a possibility.

 

[Arra]

Hi MinionBob, Sorry this is an old post but I have just exactly the same issue after a car service at MB. Not sure if related but just happened after I picked up my car and they said not related to them.
Anyway, wondering if you have did found the fault or any possible cure?
I appreciate your response before I start the search.

 

[MinionBob]

hi, sorry, no. its one of those things i just decided too live with!

 

[Arra]

hi, sorry, no. its one of those things i just decided too live with!

Thank you very much for your response. I guess i will do the same.