I've now got a whining sound under the hood, only when the compressor is running. Probably the compressor, I took a quick look and didn't see any metal from a failing pulley bearing.

I'll have it fully diagnosed tomorrow when it's cooler out but in the meantime I was wondering if there is a known problem with compressors or any of the pulleys. I'm hoping it's just a pulley that gets loud when the compressor puts more load on the belt but knowing my luck it's going to be the compressor.

No real point other than to hopefully ease my mind so I don't stay awake thinking about spending $1,000 on the AC.

 

I don't think that Honda AC units are the most robust...I've had major AC issues this Summer, all thankfully covered under warranty. The latest being the receiver dryer o-rings failing and spewing out R34..twice so far in the last 3 months.

 

Tensioner pulley has caused some problems, but you can loosen the belt, spin and check the pulley, or use a stethoscope or a long screwdriver held to your ear to check the sound.

 

Thanks guys. Getting ready to go outside and figure it out. I really hope it's just the tensioner but with my luck it's the compressor.

 

so was it the tensioner?

 

I don't know yet. I started getting sick yesterday and never checked on it today. Now it's really bothering me. I did have to drive it a couple miles to the store to pick up some medicine and no noise but I'm sure that will change.

I HAVE to do it before work on Tuesday so sometime between now and then I'll report back.

 

had the same issue, only made a whining noise when the A/C was on, any other time it was quiet

in the end the compressor was the issue. it locked up, and the internals snapped.

 

my money is on the compressor had/ have the same issue with another honda

 

Hopefully if I can hold off until winter I may be able to get a discount on AC parts when the business is slow. Not looking forward to the cold months with no defrost though.

Still haven't checked on it yet. I probably should do it today but it's not like I could have the parts shipped out today anyway.

 

they make window wipe-on treatments for no-fog inside glass~

but to ease your mind: my 01 began making slight ac noise at 50, diagnosed by dealer as ac tensioner pulley, $250 -just out of warranty (several years ago and prior owner) work declined

belts replaced at 60 by shop unaware of noise, thats when I got it
at 80 it was a loud irritating noise- confirmed with mechanics stethascope
by myself
aftermarket tensioner and pulley assembly $85--
I hear the OE unit from our supporting dealer sponsors is close to that same price,maybe better!
no stethascope you say? I know there is harbor freight tools in your town, $4


if same as gen2 go thru passenger fender liner for easy access ~ 1 hour labor

 

its a common prob on gen2,,see thread over there

funny that many of us Gen2 are at the same miles as many of gen3~ you guys really drive the car!! I just passed 105

I will guess that spirited driving with ac on adds to the tensioner wear factor
yes the ac turns off with full throttle but 90%....

watch the tensioner at work, idle speed- then give gentle revs and see belt motion, tensioner motion

 

does it still blow cold air- no change in that?

 

No change in output. It was 103 outside and cold inside.

 

I bet it's the auto tensioner or the compressor pulley bearing.

 

Same problem with my car, so I replaced serpentine belt and Gate bell tensioner and noise went away, it was belt tensioner's spring that made the noise. I paid $130 for labor and about $75 for parts, I hope that helps your prob

 

I need to replace my moms nissan frontiers idler/tensioner.
it makes a squealing noise

 

my money is on the tensioner.

 

It runs perfect, no noise so I've been procrastinating. I've never had an AC compressor quiet down once it got noisy but I have had pulleys be intermittent at first. I've got to check it out just in case it's in the early stages of compressor failure before I have to replace every AC related component.

 

With the AC on, does it always do it...or is it more like a clicking sound that goes on and off? if it's the latter, its most likely the tensioner.
I remember mine went bad a few years back, and I only noticed/heard it in the summer, while the AC was running. Its true as you say, with the extra load on the belt, it could be triggering the tensioner to wobble around a bit more....best bet is loosen up the accessory belt and feel the tensioner with your hand, and see if it has any play.

Im leaning towards the tensioner. However, as for a continuous whine, check your steering pump as well. The littlest wear on our PS pump, and they whine. Or low PS fluid. Just throwing stuff out there...it could as well be any of the pulleys/bearings

 

Bump!

I know this thread is old but I am having the same problem. It started about a few months ago when the AC is on. The whine goes in and out.

Mechanic sprayed wd-40 on the front lower pulley area and it went away for a few days now I hear it coming back.

Would like to get some help.

Thanks!

 

I wish I could help, mine went away on it's own...

 

lucky!

I wanted to check if the pulleys or belts can be adjusted/tightened hoping that it will fix the problem. BTW, I have a lightweight crank pulley but I checked that one and it was still tight.

Any other owners here that can help?

I'll really appreciate it.

 

The best place to start is removing the belt and seeing if the noise goes away.

 

I wish I know what to do. I'm am checking the manual to see if it is doable with limited tools...

Thanks!

 

I hate to bump such an old thread but I'm having the same issue. I took it into Acura about 2-3 months ago and they replaced the tensioner, the noise remained. They then replaced the belt and the noise went away, the noise is now coming back slowly. I do have the UR lightweight pulley (factory sized), I'm starting to wonder if that's a factor and if I should put my factory one back on.