Whirring Aircon Pump

Hi All, I noticed an unfamiliar high-pitch whirring noise coming from the engine bay that rose and fell with the engine revs. Switching off the aircon button stopped the sound so I assume this noise is coming from the aircon pump when its clutch is engaged and the pump under load. Another thing I notice, although it is probably not connected (and perfectly normal to all but my now paranoid / oversensitive ear) is gurgling in the system immediately after switching off. I had a similar issue on one of my other cars last year and I assumed that I would need a new compressor and recharge but the problem went away of its own accord, eventually. Of course I am hoping this will be the same for my Porsche but in the likely event that it won't I would appreciate any help and advice please.... Cheers, B

I would just get it re-gassed. The pumps get noisy when the gas gets low. It would only cost £40-ish to get it done.

I think a factor that can also change what noises you hear from your A/C system can also be the outside ambient temperature. In the recent heat your Low & High sides of you system if read with a gauge will be much higher than you would usually see. And the system will be working under much higher pressures.

Thanks all. With a bit of luck it might be a gassing issue but the system still cools well so I was fearing a bearing was on the way out... There is a local company that can regas for £45 so I will give it a shot today.

As ever Richard you were right on the money. I had the system emptied, flushed, vacuum checked and refilled today. What a great piece of kit! The guy hooked it up easily to the unions under the cover to the right of the battery. He pressed 'go' and it auto ran through the whole sequence in about 30 minutes. I even got a print out: There was no oil and only 455g of refrigerant recovered from my system, 5 minutes of vacuum resulted in no leaks reported and the system was refilled with 900g of refigerant and 30cc of oil. Sorted! It was interesting that despite being half empty of gas and without any measurable oil the system it still cooled the car. As a result I was fairly sure that the compressor bearings were on the way out and was bracing myself for a £1K repair. However for £40 cash and half an hour of my time the compressor whirring has disappeared, the occasional gurgling has been silenced and setting 'Low' on the aircon is now cold enough to turn an Eskimo woman's nipples into wheel nuts.... Thanks!

Hi Boggie, where did you go, might get mine done as well! Andy

Hi Andy, A local place just down the road in Chesham, where are you based? B

Hi Boggie, Am based in Guildford...so bit of a trek but worth considering Bst

Most people have the automatic machines these days. Try KwikFit - I believe they charge about £45.

Hi I have recently noticed the same problem with the unusual whirring noise from the engine bay. Thanks to your post this has saved time and worry trying to find and cure the noise. I have booked in to have the aircon regassed this weekend. Thanks tag10 996 ( 2003 Targa Tiptronic)

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