Engine making worrying noises

Grumpy_chap

Did the garage provide a quote to fix?
They usually do.

MouldyOldDough

Grumpy_chap said:

Did the garage provide a quote to fix?
They usually do.

No - they didn't realise that the aircon didn't work

They just knew that it was the cause of the noise!

I just turned up with no booked appointment - the mechanic came out on a five minute drive with me - so that he could experience the noise - he just switched off the aircon, the noise stopped and we returned to the dealers !

MouldyOldDough

Does aircon coolant tend to leak over months and get worse and worse or do they suddenly stop working ?

because mine worked on the journey TO the dealership but with the noise - and after the aircon was switched off - it wouldnt cool air any longer when switched back on again

This tends to imply to me, something other than coolant loss ?

And would you recommend that it is sorted by Suzuki or is it worth taking it elsewhere - or a mobile recharging service ?

The_Fat_Controller

Aircon can leak refrigerant over time or pipe/seal can fail and it can happen instantly.

As you had odd noises that could point to a failing compressor.

If the only issue with your car is the aircon, a local specialist should be able to investigate what has happened.

MouldyOldDough

The_Fat_Controller said:

Aircon can leak refrigerant over time or pipe/seal can fail and it can happen instantly.

As you had odd noises that could point to a failing compressor.

If the only issue with your car is the aircon, a local specialist should be able to investigate what has happened.

If its the compressor - that would presumably be expensive ?

Thats all thats up with the car

Ditzy_Mitzy

My car did something similar; there was a dreadful noise at idle, which was traced back to the air-conditioning compressor.  We sliced through the air-conditioning drive belt, took it off and threw it away.  Bingo, free repair!  Mine did what yours did in reverse, in that it made a noise with the system off, clutch released, but was quiet with the air conditioning on, clutch engaged.  

The noise will be a failed bearing or similar in the compressor.  Your choices are to put up with it or to fix the air conditioning.  

Goudy

This sounds a bit odd.
If the gas had leaked and the system was low on pressure, it will inhibit the air con clutch so it won't operate and drive the compressor. There wouldn't be a change in noise.

As it's quiet with the air con turned off and noisy with it switched on, it sounds like the clutch on the pump is engaging but it's not driving the compressor properly so I would hazard a guess your problem is around the compressors clutch bearing, fairly common problem with some pumps and was a problem on the earlier Swifts, there are plenty of forum posts and even Youtube vids about how to repair them.

If it is, the good news is the bearing in the pulley is replaceable.

MouldyOldDough

Is it normal for aircon not to be included in service items?
Suzuki just recommend that aircon is serviced every two years but is not on the service schedule
I've booked it in with a specialist for 1st July 

facade

MouldyOldDough said:

Is it normal for aircon not to be included in service items?
Suzuki just recommend that aircon is serviced every two years but is not on the service schedule
I've booked it in with a specialist for 1st July 

Most manufacturers pull this one. They recommend that something is done but don't include it in the service, so they can charge extra (even if you have a service plan).  Changing the brake fluid is another example, they will tell you it should be done every two years, want to do it at the service, but charge extra.

The service is little more than change oil & filter, count the wheels and stamp the service book, which is why people think they are overpriced.

If something is a service item, at a service interval, then it should be included in the service.

Obviously, items that say "inspect" won't be, such as brake pads, but if the air con should be regassed, then it should be included (and likely put another £150 on the price)

Bigwheels1111

Never heard of an air con service.
Refill yes.
Anti bac clean yes, just change pollen filters. That stops any smells.

I use my air con for 10 mins a week and not had to refill gas it yet, car will be 6 in September.
When I took out my service plan with Peugeot I made sure it included, Brake fluid changes, Pollen filters and adblue top ups.
If not they wanted £65 for brake fluid, £130 for pollen filters and £20 for adblue.
Service plan Year 1-5 £805, 6-10 £900.