Air Con Compressor - Audible Whine

[tartanmartin85]

Well, after about 8 visits in 6 months to get the aircon fixed (half a dozen re-gases and two replacement hoses) it not finally appears to be holding pressure and giving me nice cold air!

Anyway, now I can use it I have noticed that when on, the air conditioning makes quite a loud whine that is directly related to engine speed. It starts only a few seconds after turning it on and after you feel the engine take the load.

Is this normal? What are possible symptoms of the noise? Is the compressor driven directly off the flywheel be a belt that could be making a noise?

Another visit back to the garage would be painful...... 

[Tfsi_Mike]

The pump is driven by the aux belt that also drives the alternator.

I have a bargain compressor in the classifieds if you are unfortunate enough to need one 

[tartanmartin85]

Is this an indication of the compressor on it's way out? What experience have people had before it has failed?

My car is still under warranty at a large dealer (non VW) so it probably is worth taking it in again.....

[Tfsi_Mike]

Is this an indication of the compressor on it's way out? What experience have people had before it has failed?

My car is still under warranty at a large dealer (non VW) so it probably is worth taking it in again.....

If it's still under warranty I wouldnt worry too much.  Is it a squeek?  It could be moisture on you Auxiallry belt?

[tartanmartin85]

It's definately not a squeak, more of a whine. I suppose the best way to describe it is similar to the noise a gearbox makes when you drive in reverse. It's only noticeable from inside as well, I have had the bonnet up and couldn't hear it.