A/C Problems - Grinding Noise TD4 04

Just drove home through some terrible weather which included parts of the road being flooded, so had to wade through huge dirty great puddles.
Having got home I've noticed there's a horrible grinding noise coming from under the bonnet - off side. Further investigation reveals this only happens when the fan and a/c are on.
A/C was working fine earlier - so do I fear the worst - is this a compressor problem or could it be that the puddles have led to problems?
It's that time of year when a/c problems begin to appear having had less use over the winter, but I do try to use mine regularly.
Anyone experienced this? Quick search on the forums revealed it could be that the compressor has got clogged with sh*t - is that an easy fix and how? I take it if the compressor's had it I'm looking at hefty bill!

Cheers
N

the pump for the ac is quite low down on the drivers side (uk spec) at the front of the engine

if you remove the iner cover of the wheel arch at the bottem you can see the pump clearly.

does it only grind when the clutch of the pump is engaged (ie when ac on or the direction of the airflow is up on the windscreen)

if so it is a remove the auxilery belt that drives the power stearing pump and the A/C and the alternator. and drop the pump with the (i think) three bolts and clean it out, be carful not to strain the hoses to much.

It is a sod to refit the belt so get a mate to give you a hand on the tensioner.

ed

The DJ said:

the pump for the ac is quite low down on the drivers side (uk spec) at the front of the engine

if you remove the iner cover of the wheel arch at the bottem you can see the pump clearly.

does it only grind when the clutch of the pump is engaged (ie when ac on or the direction of the airflow is up on the windscreen)

if so it is a remove the auxilery belt that drives the power stearing pump and the A/C and the alternator. and drop the pump with the (i think) three bolts and clean it out, be carful not to strain the hoses to much.

It is a sod to refit the belt so get a mate to give you a hand on the tensioner.

ed

Click to expand...

Yup - only grinds when clucth is engaged - sounds like a tricky, but do-able DIY job - thanks for that Ed.

Norbet

might also be worth checking the way the engine guard is fitted beneath the engine. I've had it twice where is it has been displaced or incorrectly refitted and rubs on the ac pulley. Makes exactly that grinding noise, but only when the a/c is on.

Good Luck

Optimus Prime said:

might also be worth checking the way the engine guard is fitted beneath the engine. I've had it twice where is it has been displaced or incorrectly refitted and rubs on the ac pulley. Makes exactly that grinding noise, but only when the a/c is on.

Good Luck

Click to expand...

You might just have hit the nail on the head there OP - it sounds very much like something's rubbing against plastic (and interestingly varies in intensity depending on what angle the car is at).

I'll have a look this evening and see if I can see anything where it shouldn't be.

Cheers
N