daryll40

OK, update on my A/C noise issue. As per my other thread, the A/C was making noise and the dealer decided it was the compressor "clutch". After some haggling about what's covered under my extended CPO warranty, Lexus agreed to fix it and I got the car back yesterday. Allegedly they replaced (as per my receipt) the "CLUTCH ASSY, MAGN". Part Number 88410-0E010. No other parts were reported as being replaced.

Today we were driving in the heat with the A/C on and the noise is still there. I have been able to determine, absolutely, that it's an A/C thing (when I hit the HVAC "OFF" button the noise dies instantly). Furthermore, I have determined that it only makes the noise as the car revs from idle thru 1100RPM. After 1100 RPM the noise goes away. But as the car downshifts and the revs come down thru 1100, again the noise is there. If I put the car in neutral, the noise is reproducable exactly at 1100 revs when the compressor is on.

I'm gonna take it back tomorrow but am wondering if this additional detective information might help any of you to identify something I can hang my hat on. Is it the compressor and not just the compressor clutch? I'm not very mechanical, but I do understand the basics for purposes of discussion (only). Again, once I hit the "OFF" button on the HVAC, the noise dies instantly, so it's not the tranny or differential, which I originally thought it might be.

lexus114

It`s not really abnormal for some noise from your auto A/C. I wish I could hear this noise you have.

daryll40

Trust me, this noise is a LOUD WHIRLING/WHIZZING high pitched noise at exactly 1200-1300RPM.

lexus114

Yeah, definitely take it back.

daryll40

I took in yesterday and they agreed it was probably the compressor. They ordered one and I'm scheduled for repair on Monday. I hope that solves the problem.

Jumper73

High squeal/pitch noise on AC is compressor going bad. Replacing that should resolve the issue. GL.

daryll40

Thanks. As an aside, although the vehicle is 6 years old, it only has 48000 miles. Should I be disappointed that a Lexus would have a problem like that this early?

cartman57

It's a component manufactured by another company, Denso maybe, not a Lexus brand fault.
Don't really have an answer to your question.

At least you'll have a quiet ride when the AC is on.

With that few of miles on it and given age, it might be that the oil inside the closed system doesn't get circulated often enough causing the internal parts to have a shorter lifespan.

daryll40

Good point. And here in Pittsburgh it's not uncommon to go 8 month without running the A/C. As to whether it's Denso's or Lexus's fault...I don't buy it. Either way it's Lexus's fault, because it's their duty to be sure that purchased components are built to Lexus standards.

It should be fixed by tomorrow and I'll move on! Thanks, all, for your thoughts on this.

lexus114

Just do me a favor when you pick it up tomorrow. Ask if it was a new or a reman compressor. Hopefully it will be a new one they put on it. I have little, to no faith at all in reman`s.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

Just a tip: You should run the A/C at least once a month to keep everything in "running" condition

daryll40

I actually knew that but forgot! Good tip. Thanks!

rcy

I read once a week for minimum 10 minutes in one or two of my owner's manuals (for different vehicles I've owned). What it actually does is circulate the oil through the system to keep everything lubricated - seals etc.

draco

My climate control system runs all the time when the car is on. I just adjust the temperature to a set temperature and in winter the A/C helps de-humidify the air.