E39 - Aircon wheezing sound

[BimmerDan]

Good day to all,I'm sure this is a common problem but I'd like to know what is the actual cause for an AC to give out a wheezing sound and the sound seem to be correlating with the vehicle speed. I was told it is a sign of a failing/tired compressor? or I simply have whistle hidden in the air duct.Any quick fix/temp remedy tips is greatly appreciated. Thanks...

 

[JFT63]

I checked mine and found the air cond belt is cracked. I replaced the belt and also lubricated the tensioner..Things solved immediately. I also thought it was my compressor initially. Good luck bro..

 

[BimmerDan]

Thank you JFT63 for the reply. But I've had those items changed months back. The noise only started when I had some AC gas taken out as pressure was a little too high. My Mech. kept insisting it is the compressor...but I do have my doubts with his assessment.

 

[JFT63]

It is normal about that the ac gas bursting...Could it be the compressor pulley? or let me get a second opinion from my mech

 

[BimmerDan]

You know what? I had the AC gas refilled with a slightly higher pressure and the sound went away...Although I know going beyond the recommended pressure may result to certain side effects but at least the annoying sound has gone off. I'm just curious to know what that noise is? I've heard of all sorts of wild guesses from the blower, compressor and just about all AC related components to be blamed for. Looking forward to what your Mech. might have to say. Thank you.

 

[seewai]

What's the pressure reading now bro? Yes for older compressor in old cars we own, we could put slightly higher pressure otherwise a/c may not be cold enough, as told to me by an a/c mech.

If the "higher pressure" is way too much, that would lead to a/c fan spins faster most of the time even when it's not necessary, thus shortening the life-span of a/c fan.

 

[BimmerDan]

Hi Seewai, you are absolutely spot-on. That was the beginning of this weird problem for me. Before, the AC was very cold even at 28 but had the E/Fan running more than it should. Then had the gas pressure lowered (E/Fan spin frequency reduced) but ended with a wheezing sound from the blower AND temperature not as cold as before. Now I'm contemplating whether I should increase the pressure again. I was told several times about the reading but wasn't paying attention. What is the correct reading?

 

[Herbert]

Gas pressure should be about 30 on the air-cond gauge.

 

[BimmerDan]

I shall be brave and have the pressure set at 30 if not higher. The weather these days are putting the older cars at test. Once again, thank you all for your valuable input.

 

[seewai]

I shall be brave and have the pressure set at 30 if not higher. The weather these days are putting the older cars at test. Once again, thank you all for your valuable input.

Yes, I believe each case is unique, depending on the age of each car's compressor's condition. Just try at a slightly higher pressure, since you can reduce several times FOC until you're satisfied but adding pressure is RM$$.

Good luck.

Cheers.
seewai

 

[BimmerDan]

A good day to everyone.

It's been a year and a half since the day I started this thread and my problem was finally resolved 2 weeks ago. Many trial and errors fiddling with gas (Freon) and even had it diagnosed by 2 AC specialist (one from Jln Gasing) and was told it was a failing or faulty compressor, then I was given a quote of RM 1.7k for a new compressor, dryer, gas plus labor.....I was so ready to do it until my brother suggested that I try out this AC cleaning process. So I got my bro with his E46 to come along to try out this AC cleaning. Got to the shop, had it hooked up with a big machine for 2 hours and was told it cleaned most essential component parts of the AC system. 2 hours went passed and some very dark/black oil got drained out in a glass bottle. Refilled the oil and freon. The AC is now cooler (more efficient) and the best part is, the wheezing sound IS gone!!
For those of you who has the same problem as I did...explore this option first. RM 300+ vs RM 1.7k. Best RM 300+ ever spent!

p/s. Never been happier. I like my cabin free from any unwanted sound or noise.

 

[AmoiSky]

A good day to everyone.

It's been a year and a half since the day I started this thread and my problem was finally resolved 2 weeks ago. Many trial and errors fiddling with gas (Freon) and even had it diagnosed by 2 AC specialist (one from Jln Gasing) and was told it was a failing or faulty compressor, then I was given a quote of RM 1.7k for a new compressor, dryer, gas plus labor.....I was so ready to do it until my brother suggested that I try out this AC cleaning process. So I got my bro with his E46 to come along to try out this AC cleaning. Got to the shop, had it hooked up with a big machine for 2 hours and was told it cleaned most essential component parts of the AC system. 2 hours went passed and some very dark/black oil got drained out in a glass bottle. Refilled the oil and freon. The AC is now cooler (more efficient) and the best part is, the wheezing sound IS gone!!
For those of you who has the same problem as I did...explore this option first. RM 300+ vs RM 1.7k. Best RM 300+ ever spent!

p/s. Never been happier. I like my cabin free from any unwanted sound or noise.

Hi Bimmerdan, may i know which shop u went to? I may need to do mine soon. Have same wheezing sound mildly and i guess its d start to the sludge built up like yours. Previous owner rarely use the car and i am afraid it it the start to the compressor failure.. Appreciate your kindness to share the shop address if you may.

Best regards,

 

[Volvos525i]

A good day to everyone.

It's been a year and a half since the day I started this thread and my problem was finally resolved 2 weeks ago. Many trial and errors fiddling with gas (Freon) and even had it diagnosed by 2 AC specialist (one from Jln Gasing) and was told it was a failing or faulty compressor, then I was given a quote of RM 1.7k for a new compressor, dryer, gas plus labor.....I was so ready to do it until my brother suggested that I try out this AC cleaning process. So I got my bro with his E46 to come along to try out this AC cleaning. Got to the shop, had it hooked up with a big machine for 2 hours and was told it cleaned most essential component parts of the AC system. 2 hours went passed and some very dark/black oil got drained out in a glass bottle. Refilled the oil and freon. The AC is now cooler (more efficient) and the best part is, the wheezing sound IS gone!!
For those of you who has the same problem as I did...explore this option first. RM 300+ vs RM 1.7k. Best RM 300+ ever spent!

p/s. Never been happier. I like my cabin free from any unwanted sound or noise.

Good bro to hear that ur prob solved...
Yes think the system have to be vaccum out by the machine...
Then only refill back to the normal pressure needed in the system...

 

[wingzee]

A good day to everyone.

It's been a year and a half since the day I started this thread and my problem was finally resolved 2 weeks ago. Many trial and errors fiddling with gas (Freon) and even had it diagnosed by 2 AC specialist (one from Jln Gasing) and was told it was a failing or faulty compressor, then I was given a quote of RM 1.7k for a new compressor, dryer, gas plus labor.....I was so ready to do it until my brother suggested that I try out this AC cleaning process. So I got my bro with his E46 to come along to try out this AC cleaning. Got to the shop, had it hooked up with a big machine for 2 hours and was told it cleaned most essential component parts of the AC system. 2 hours went passed and some very dark/black oil got drained out in a glass bottle. Refilled the oil and freon. The AC is now cooler (more efficient) and the best part is, the wheezing sound IS gone!!
For those of you who has the same problem as I did...explore this option first. RM 300+ vs RM 1.7k. Best RM 300+ ever spent!

p/s. Never been happier. I like my cabin free from any unwanted sound or noise.

Where does the wheezing sound originates from? Can you hear it from the interior blow vents?

Care to share where you did the service mate? Is it K&S Auto USJ?

 

[AmoiSky]

Where does the wheezing sound originates from? Can you hear it from the interior blow vents?

Care to share where you did the service mate? Is it K&S Auto USJ?

We go together one of these days la WZ.. Hihi..

 

[BimmerDan]

Yeah I'm glad the problem has finally gone away as I have been to many so-called specialist and none of them has this cleaning machine. Hi Volvos525i, mine started out very mild then it just got worse...if you're doing it then its a preventive step you're taking to avoid a costly replacement. Yes the sound is coming from the air vent or very nearby but definitely not from the stereo. Base on club rules, I cannot disclose operator's identity here but the shop is located within Subang/Sunway. Shop only has one machine and process is time consuming so best you call make appointment and also ask for DISCOUNT! (just say you're with the club) - call 019 3389931. Good luck bros, I hope this

 

[Volvos525i]

Yeah I'm glad the problem has finally gone away as I have been to many so-called specialist and none of them has this cleaning machine. Hi Volvos525i, mine started out very mild then it just got worse...if you're doing it then its a preventive step you're taking to avoid a costly replacement. Yes the sound is coming from the air vent or very nearby but definitely not from the stereo. Base on club rules, I cannot disclose operator's identity here but the shop is located within Subang/Sunway. Shop only has one machine and process is time consuming so best you call make appointment and also ask for DISCOUNT! (just say you're with the club) - call 019 3389931. Good luck bros, I hope this

Yes bro thanks for sharing...
Actually mine done already and normally all air cond shop should have this machine for recovering/vacuum the system and compressor oil...
All the best with your solved prob bro...:rock:

 

[Andyk]

Yeah I'm glad the problem has finally gone away as I have been to many so-called specialist and none of them has this cleaning machine. Hi Volvos525i, mine started out very mild then it just got worse...if you're doing it then its a preventive step you're taking to avoid a costly replacement. Yes the sound is coming from the air vent or very nearby but definitely not from the stereo. Base on club rules, I cannot disclose operator's identity here but the shop is located within Subang/Sunway. Shop only has one machine and process is time consuming so best you call make appointment and also ask for DISCOUNT! (just say you're with the club) - call 019 3389931. Good luck bros, I hope this

Hi bimmerdan

What does the ac cleaner machine does? Do clean up the external parts and interior parts of the aircon? Does it make the aircon blow smoother and fresher after the process?
Bcoz I have a smelly aircon now, and especially after spray paint, not sure if the cleaning machine can eliminates some odor as well?

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Volvos525i]

Hi bimmerdan

What does the ac cleaner machine does? Do clean up the external parts and interior parts of the aircon? Does it make the aircon blow smoother and fresher after the process?
Bcoz I have a smelly aircon now, and especially after spray paint, not sure if the cleaning machine can eliminates some odor as well?

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Hi bro Andyk...
This recovery/vacuum machine normally will sucks all the remainng freon gas and the compressor oil...
At the same time will refill back the oil for the compressor bcoz needs for lubrication in the compressor to lubricate the moving parts...
For any odor after spray painting cannot be eleminate by this machine...just my 2.5cents...

 

[consoglieri]

Yeah I'm glad the problem has finally gone away as I have been to many so-called specialist and none of them has this cleaning machine. Hi Volvos525i, mine started out very mild then it just got worse...if you're doing it then its a preventive step you're taking to avoid a costly replacement. Yes the sound is coming from the air vent or very nearby but definitely not from the stereo. Base on club rules, I cannot disclose operator's identity here but the shop is located within Subang/Sunway. Shop only has one machine and process is time consuming so best you call make appointment and also ask for DISCOUNT! (just say you're with the club) - call 019 3389931. Good luck bros, I hope this

I don't see any issue if it benefits the club forummers. Might be going there myself as well. Cheers for the info.