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Started just a few days ago. When ever i switch on the A/C, it makes a grinding sorta noise. Got it checked at Honda. They say the AC clutch/bearing (whatever that means) is worn out and the whole system will have to be replaced.

That is the biggest prob with these new cars, everything comes as a closed unit.

Cost of replacement.........14K (including everything).

Any idea why this happens? What causes the A/C bearings to get worn out? Can dust affect it, coz Hubli is a very dusty and dry place.

Atleast now, i ain't gonna be blamed for it as i never touch the A/C button. LOL

Is it possible to repair it? Coz i'd like to give that a try before we decide on replacing the system.

Shan2nu

i know someone in bangalore who can get you one a/c compressor unit for around 5k.

Hmmm sounds good but, is he a reliable source? And most importantly, will that unit fit on the Vtec?

Shan2nu

Go to an a/c specialist and get a quote

its from a vtec...its "preowned" ;)
these a/c parts are always a ripoff from the company...i remember i had some problem in my zen and the company said 6k to repair it...i went to the a/c specialist and he got the same part and replaced it for 600 bucks...

In that case, i'll let you know in a few days. Will first see if it can be repaired without relacement.

Shan2nu

hi shan,
the a/c clutch is the actuator for the compressor; it is an electromagnetic actuating system, which connects the compressor rotor to the rotating member or wheel; the wheel always rotates with the crankshaft, as it's connected to the crankshaft rear wheel, (which drives the power steering, timing belt,etc.) via belt. when the compressor switch inside the cabin is pressed, the electromagnetic clutch actuates (similar to the mechanical clutch of our car), and the compressor starts rotating, thus starting the flow of the refregirant throughout the a/c pipes.

a damaged clutch can be repaired, so no need for going in for a replacement of the entire unit, unless absolutely necessary. the bearing, however, is a completely replaceable unit, and can be done by any a/c service station.

Yup, thats what even i was thinking of. I called up Honda yesterday and they say the 14K is for the clutch itself!!! The i called up my uncle who has a Fiat dealership to see if the quoted price was for real, he says a Fiat compressor can cost as much as 18-20 K, so the clutch might cost around 13-14K.

But the A/C specialist thing sounds good right now. Anyway the car is not covered by waranty so might as well take a chance.

Shan2nu

old city ac comp same issue landed up spending 30 k lol.. bloody honda suckz when it comes to spare parts..

somebody scratched Crv spare tyre cover, cost 18k for that plastic piece :P

LOL..the tyre cover is more expensive than the alloy + tyre itself. :p

dude, i got the same problem in my indica. It happened after i took my car for a half an hour swim in really deep water.(I saw a couple of zens and a santro stranded) and got out on prayer. After that there was this grind and whine. The service center guys say that the compressor bearing got worn out and the Compressor will be sent to the AC maker, subros maybe, and they will repair it for around 4K. But it can take a week too depending on those guys.

Dust can affect it, but for that the seals have to be damaged first due to water or collision. I am not getting it done for the moment. I will wait for winters. The guys says if you can live with the noise there is no need :D. So probably will give it in Nov.

veyron dude, the ac comp full assembly alone price is 30 k @ the dealership ;)

as for cover, just got the invoice 17750 Rs :)

and thanks for the sympathy but we make sure Honda's are bought under co name so that they get the tab ;)

Right decision i think. The dealerships suck when it comes to repairs after warranty. Even servicing is too expensive. One question though. did your sound start coming all of a sudden or it slowly build up with volume increasing as time passed.

An AC operates on a closed loop. Lubrication is done via the oil contained in the refrigerant. If you run low on the gas, it affects the lubrication of the entire system.

Also, if you do not use the AC for a long period of time, the oil tends to settle and this leads to problems. That's why it is always recomended to use your AC for atleast 30 minutes once a week, regardless of the weather outside.

Ideally there should be a vacuum inside the AC system before refilling the refrigerant for it to work at its best. Over time though, conditions take their toll on the pipes and tiny leaks could develope. These will have the dual effect of allowing your gas/oil to leak out and allow dust to get in the system. To check for leaks, you need to do a vacuum test, which any AC centre will do for you in a few minutes.

If there are leaks, it would make no sense to simply refill the refrigerant without attending to the core problem. Also, once the system is opened, ensure that it can hold a vacuum after it's put back together or else you will be back in the workshop in a month for a refill.