Do you worry if your car’s air conditioner is functioning normally because you hear odd noises from it? It’s alright. As a car owner, you’re concerned with the health and performance of your vehicle, and if you hear any uncommon sound, you immediately feel intrigued and strange.
If you are one among them and have noticed your car generating an odd rattling noise, you have come to the correct spot. In this post, we’ll explain why your car’s air conditioner can rattle and how to solve the problem. So let’s pull up and enter.
Contents
What Does Cause Car AC To Make Rattling Noise?
There could be different possibilities for your car AC to make a rattling noise. Some of the most common reasons could be as follow:
Failing AC Compressor
A failing AC compressor can be the most common cause for your car’s Ac to make a rattling noise. If your car AC is rattling, it indicates that the compressor is either loose, damaged, or worn out, and it is time to pay attention to it. If the compressor is loose, it will vibrate at its place and hit other components around it or the engine and chassis. This may result in a sharp clicking sound or rattling noise. The other possibility is that the compressor may deteriorate over time due to continued usage and external physical factors. If the compressor is damaged or worn out, it may produce unwanted metal shaving, rust, debris, etc., which may get stuck to the car’s valves, piston, bearing, or other parts and result in rattling noise.
If you feel the air blowing from the AC vent is warm or the temperature of the air blown is fluctuating, this can indicate a failing ac compressor. The other possible signs could be if your car’s headlights are dimming, you smell burning or foul smell, or any sign of a faulty clutch. All these signs are an indicator of a failing clutch.
The cost of replacing a faulty AC compressor may vary according to your car model and the place where you live. The average cost for a compressor replacement may range between $1,546 to $1,705.
Also, Read: Why Does Your Car AC Smell Like Vinegar?
Loose parts
Loose parts can be another reason your car ac to makes a rattling noise. Your car air conditing system consists of many components such as the compressor, evaporator, condenser, hoses, clamps, clutch, belt, pulley, piston, valves, etc. If any of these components are loosely attached, it will vibrate and hit another part of the engine, chassis, or other components making a striking or rattling sound.
Some common loose parts that cause rattling noise in car AC could be a compressor pulley, a serpentine belt, or the brackets and bolts.
The average cost of fixing loose parts may range from $50 – $500 or more, depending upon the problem’s complexity.
Worn Serpentine Belt
A worn serpentine belt can be another reason for your car to produce a rattling sound. Over time, the serpentine belt is worn out, resulting in poor grip on the pulley. This can cause a slip and eventually result in creating friction and vibration. The friction and vibration produced will cause the rattling noise.
It is important to know the signs of a worn serpentine belt to avoid worsening any problem. If you hear a squeaking or chirping sound or feel no air is coming from the AC vent. The other possible signs could be if your car’s headlights are dimming, you lose control of the power steering or you feel the engines superheated. All these can be a signal of a worn serpentine belt.
The cost of replacing a serpentine belt depends upon the quality of the belt you chose, labor charges (these can vary from place to place), and, most importantly, the car model. The average cost of replacing a serpentine belt ranges from $100 – $200 or more.
Bad Idler Pulley
A bad idler pulley can be another reason for a rattling sound from your car’s AC system. The idler pulley is a metal wheel that guides a serpentine belt’s action. If the idler pulley is broken, it will have poor control over the serpentine belt, resulting in a serpentine slip. Serpentine slip will produce friction or vibration and cause rattling.
If you hear a squealing noise when the engine is active or feel the air blowing from the vent is not as cool as it used to be or warm, do not ignore this as this might be a sign of a bad idler pulley. The other possible signs of a bad idler pulley could be if you suspect you have lost control of the power steering or the engine is overheating. As all these signs may trigger a belt slip and causing more issues to your car.
The cost of replacing a damaged or bad idler pulley may range between $80 -$200. But it is important to know that the cost will depend upon the make and model of the vehicle, labor charges, and quality of the idler pulley to choose.
Dirty AC condenser
The condenser is one of the most important components of the car air conditioning system. Its role is to exchange heat and convert the refrigerant gas to liquid so it can fuse with the water and be easily circulated by a pump throughout the system.
If you feel warm air or no air coming from the vent, this may be an indicator of a dirty AC condenser as, if there is any dirt or debris in the condenser, it will directly affect the performance of the AC. The other sign could be an overheating car engine.
The cost of cleaning and replacing a dirty AC condenser will depend upon the model of your car and labor charges of the region, but the average cost may range between $50 to $100. If the problem is severe and the condenser is damaged, it is best to replace it to avoid further issues. The average cost of replacing a car AC condenser ranges between $400 to $900.
How to Fix rattling noise in car AC
It is important to fix the rattling noise as soon as possible because this can be an indicator of a serious problem. You can deal with this problem on your own. But it is advised to seek professional help if you do not hold any expertise in automotive.
Here we provide a guide for DIY and professional fixing.
1. DIY fixes for rattling noise in car AC
If you plan to fix the rattling sound by yourself, you need to get a few tools like screwdrivers, a soft brush, a garden hose, etc.
A. Fixing loose parts:
- Check if the serpentine belt, idler pulley, and other components are firmly secured.
- If you suspect any loose component, tight it with the help of your screwdrivers and other tools.
B. Cleaning the AC condenser:
- Check for debris, dust, rust or metal shaving in or around the condensers; remove this with the help of a soft brush.
- Check the valves and hoses to ensure they have no clogged pipes.
- You can use a garden hose to clean the condenser.
2. Professional fixes for rattling noise in car AC
If you have no expertise in automotive, it is ideal to take your car to an expert. It is recommended to take your car to a seasoned mechanic in case of component replacements or severe issues.
1. Replacing a faulty AC compressor
Follow these step-by-step guide to replace a faulty car compressor:
- Start with unplugging the compressor and depressurizing the tank.
- Disconnect the lines from the unloader valve and pressure switch.
- Followed by disconnecting the refrigerant line and electrical connector.
- With the help of an appropriate tool, loosen the mounting bolts and remove the old compressor.
- Replace it with a new compressor and reconnect all the lines to disconnected
- Test the AC system and check whether the rattling sound persists.
Also, Read: Car Air Conditioner Compressor Repair Cost
2. Replacing a worn-out AC pulley
Follow these step-by-step guide to replace a worn-out AC pulley:
- Start by removing the serpentine belt from the pulley.
- Using an impact wrench, loosen the center bolt.
- Pull/Remove the old pulley and clean the shaft.
- You may use cleaning spray to clean the shaft.
- Replace the pulley with a new pulley and tighten the center bolt with the help of an impact wrench.
- Reinstall the serpentine belt and ensure it is firmly placed and holds the grip.
- Test the AC system.
Also, Read: Troubleshooting: Car Air Conditioner Not Working?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my car rattling when the AC is on?
Your car is rattling when the ac is on for several reasons, such as a failing AC Compressor, loose parts, worn-out serpentine belt, bad idler pulley, dirty condenser, etc.
Can I drive with a rattling AC compressor?
It is not a good idea to drive with a rattling AC compressor as it may cause more damage to the compressor and may result in costly repairs. This may even affect the braking system and cause great damage to the engine.
Also, Read: Car AC Suddenly Stopped Working?
Conclusion
In conclusion, you may hear a rattling sound from your car’s ac system for several reasons. A few of them are failed AC compressors, loose parts, damaged serpentine belts, bad idle pulleys, dirty condensers, and more.
It is important to pay close attention to warning beeps as they may indicate serious damage to other parts of your vehicle. Ignoring these warning signs can cause serious damage to the brakes, engine, and other parts of the vehicle. You can solve this noise problem yourself, but if you don’t know much about cars, it’s best to take your car for a professional inspection.
Minor problems, such as cleaning the condenser and repairing loose parts, can be handled on an individual level. However, to extend your vehicle’s life and ensure that you have a perfectly working conditioned and efficient cooling air conditioning system, it is advisable to seek professional help with critical issues such as the compressor or idle pulleys or replacing any other component.
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