Hey guys,

I have a 2006 Acura TL, 6MT. 224k miles on it. Never had any of the AC parts replaced or even recharged.

My AC clutch went, but while trying to see if it was engaging, I notice a sound. I'm 99% sure it wasn't happening before, but I did have the mechanic do the timing belt/water pump/spark plugs replaced about a month ago.

Please listen and let me know your thoughts.

It's a google photos video, hope it works.
engine noise

Thanks in advance,
Pawel

 

I didn't hear anything out of the ordinary at first but toward the latter half I heard sort of a 'clunk-clunk". Is that what you're referring to? If so, I frankly have no idea . You might try picking up one of those stethoscopes that are used for diagnosing engine noises to see if you can narrow it down. I picked one up at Advanced Auto for about $25. It helped me identify a valve that was out of spec.

If I had to guess, I'd guess it's a drivebelt accessory. Maybe a bad bearing in one of the pulleys, alternator or power steering pump. I suppose it could be engine related but I'd start with drivebelt components. One way to confirm would be to remove the drivebelt and see if the noise persists or not. If it does, it's something engine related But if the noise goes away at that point it's likely a drivebelt component.

 

Could I bypass the AC compressor somehow?

And taking off the drivebelt and staring the car like that is ok?

 

I'm not sure how to bypass the compressor or any other accessory for that matter. The only way I could think of would be to get a drivebelt that drives everything else instead of that particular component. That would be a royal pain in the neck however - determining the size would be bad enough then hoping a belt exists at that size.

Yes, it's fine to start the car with no drivebelt. The only critical component is the alternator but the ignition can run off the battery for quite a while before it dies. You'll only need a minute or two to determine if the noise persists. Just make sure the battery is well charged since the ECU is pretty sensitive to voltage changes. And make sure all your electrical accessories are turned off (lights, blower, stereo , seat heaters, wipers, etc.).

Do you have the AC on when the noise it happening? If so, try turning it off and see if it persists.

 

Noise happens regardless of AC on/off. But since AC clutch is not engaging, I am thinking maybe that is the culprit.
I did get a new relay, to make sure it wasn't a $5 part before I start taking thing apart.

Just hope it's the AC and not something more important.

 

Yeah, that's a good guess. If the clutch isn't engaging, and you've replaced the relay, you might be looking at needing a compressor replacement. Typically they don't replace clutches anymore but completely replace the compressor. Since you need that done anyways, I'd go that route then see if the noise goes away.

Before you replace it however, you might want to make sure it's getting voltage to engage. I haven't done that before so I'm not sure exactly how on the compressor itself. But I'm betting you could at least remove the fuse (make sure it's not blown), then use a multimeter to make sure voltage is coming through when you turn the AC on.

I'm all about DIY but if I had a problem with the compressor I'd probably take it to a shop.. Luckily I haven't had an AC problem with a car in over 10 years.