A/C noise at idle - Crankshaft pulley ?

[KeithA]

Hi All,

I've had a good search through previous threads and I've a slightly different symptom to ask about.

I noticed that my A/C has become a bit "clattery" from the pulleys/driver's side of the engine at idle. I've had the system regassed today as it seems from the history to be overdue (last done 2016) and whilst it has made it colder the noise remains. Kwik fit advised noisy A/C pump (but then I'd only ever use them for a regas and take their advice with a pinch of salt!).

This is the bit I couldn't find in the other threads. I haven't yet removed the arch liner or undertray to try to see what's going on but if while stationary, at idle and with the A/c on (clatter audible) I then rock the steering, the clatter becomes significantly worse. With A/c off or on econ and at idle, rocking the steering doesn't make any significant noise.

I've also noticed very recently a bit of intermittent vibration through the dashboard, especially when cold, maybe connected.

I'm thinking that the above points to the crankshaft pulley being the likely culprit, as that's the one pulley that both belts are connected to and would be under strain from both the A/C and power steering - does that seem logical?

Looking at the history that came with the car the pulley was changed in Sept 2016 - labour £140 pulley £30 - so a "cheapie" part to make it even more of a suspect? From the MOT history this would have been a little under 30,000 miles ago.

It seems Corteco pulleys are by far the most recommended, and Island 4x4 the best place to buy price wise?
https://www.island-4x4.co.uk/cranksh...g-p-36574.html

They also do a Britpart one which is significantly cheaper, and DMGRS do an OEM-Q - any experiences with these (or any other good alternatives?)
https://www.island-4x4.co.uk/cranksh...0l-p-4521.html
https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/rov...f84b338a&_ss=r

A few more questions - apologies for the long post!

Are the pulleys supplied with a new bolt or do I need to source seperately?

Presumably sensible to change both belts at the same time (it would appear to be about 55,000 miles since done / 11 years from the history, yikes!). Any brand recommendations?

I'll get my local garage to fit everything, they are fine with customer supplied parts - what sort of labour time should I expect for pulley and belts?

Thanks in advance for any responses!

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by KeithA

- - - I'm thinking that the above points to the crankshaft pulley being the likely culprit - - - - does that seem logical?

It does to me.

Sept 2016 - labour £140 pulley £30 - so a "cheapie" part to make it even more of a suspect?

Yes, there are lots of reports proving money spent on cheap M47R crankshaft pulleys is money wasted.

It seems Corteco pulleys are by far the most recommended, and Island 4x4 the best place to buy price wise?

Certainly a good price compared wit DMGRS's Corteco offer. Their cheaper one may be better than a £30 one I suppose, but I've not read any reports on how well it stands up. Personally, I'd go with Island4x4.

Are the pulleys supplied with a new bolt or do I need to source seperately?

No and yes.

Presumably sensible to change both belts at the same time - - - Any brand recommendations?

Belts from DMGRS should be fine.


Sorry, can't help with garage charges.
Happy New Year.
TC

[Mike Noc]

Whip the serpentine belt off and check all the pulleys for play and roughness - a failing water pump can give the same symptoms as the crank pulley.

[Arctic]

Hi Keith.
steer clear of both of those other types above, or you will be paying out twice, Corteco is the way to go fitted one to my tourer recently.

1

With gates belts links below.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162597598422

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174947881084

2

3

[KeithA]

Thanks All.

Car is booked in for 2nd Feb - I'll post back what difference it makes.

I've also ordered a 3 piece engine mount kit from DMGRS on the grounds that it won't do any harm and is a sensible replacement at 19 years / 100k + miles. I'll fit those myself so will know which of the repairs made the difference.

[KeithA]

OK, so reporting back now the car has been to the garage for the belt and pulley change.

Dropped the car off at 8am, phone call at 1pm to say it's ready. Nice and efficient.

The owner said the belts weren't too bad (although they were 60k old) but that the pulley had a big split in the rubber.

The aircon and power steering are now silent and smooth, even with the car stationary, airon on full (Lo) and turning the wheel lock to lock and listening from outside the car.

Car definitely quieter and smoother.

I supplied the parts (Corteco+bolt+washer+gates belts), the charge was 2 hours labour.

One happy bunny.

[trikey]

Thats a good result then.

[Arctic]

Hi Keith.
Nice to hear all is now sorted and thank you for coming back and letting us know Arctic