Noisy aircon can be an indicator of many issues, especially if the noise or rattle is particularly loud when the system is first turned on. Listed below are some potential causes;
Compressor issues – A rattling noise when turning on the vehicle’s air conditioning is a common early indicator of aircon compression failure
Pulley bearing failure - If the vehicle’s compressor pulley bearings are failing or in bad condition, they tend to be loud upon air condition start-up. The noises made by these bearings is often described as a grinding, rattling, or squealing sound.
Worn serpentine belt – Worn serpentine belts are known to slip when the compressor is engaged, which may lead to an unusual rattling sound.
Worn or broken Compressor Clutch - The compressor clutch undergoes a high amount of wear and tear. If it is particularly damaged or worn, it can make a rattling noise during operation. This issue often necessitates replacement of the part, or of the part, and the attached compressor, depending on the vehicle type.
Audible rattling produced by the vehicle when the aircon is turned on can also be a general indicator of the strain the engine is under. Activating a system of this size can put a heavy load on the engine, creating additional vibrations and rattling noise across the entire vehicle. This noise could be originating from a huge number of things, from loose parts to pulleys.