Front end whine...

[jasons69]

2013 B8.5 tdi 177

Had for a couple of weeks a whine from the front end- rises in pitch with revs. I listened and suspected it was the alternator so changed at the weekend.

However... still there. So can only assume it's either the tensioner pulley, the static one above the aircon pump, or the aircon pump itself.

is there any way to definitively confirm before it goes to an Indy or Audi?

thanks all,


j

 

[OliNix]

Does it change pitch when your at full lock and keep pressure on the wheel. Could be the PAS Pump.

I had a whiney AC compressor on my B7 3.0TDI for years. AC still worked so I just left it! If you turn the AC on and off it will tell you if it’s the actual compressor or the clutch and it’s bearings.

OliNix
B8.5 S4 Avant - Glacier White

 

[jasons69]

Just had the belt off, I think it's the clutch/bearings...

 

[jasons69]

I've seen a replacement is available for the compressor- has anyone ever changed one?

 

[OliNix]

I've seen a replacement is available for the compressor- has anyone ever changed one?

They are a pain in the *** to get to. But otherwise quite simple.

Worst bit is getting your A/C regassed after.


OliNix
B8.5 S4 Avant - Glacier White

 

[jasons69]

From what I've seen I can get a replacement clutch bearings and fit without having to disconnect the aircon itself...

 

[jasons69]

Local Indy has quoted over 1k...

 

[OliNix]

From what I've seen I can get a replacement clutch bearings and fit without having to disconnect the aircon itself...

There is not a hope in hell that you will be able to do it in situ. It requires:
1) remove floors and front bumper
2) front end in service position
3) remove ancillary belt
4) degas A/C, if you remove a pipe without venting it you will bust the seals and have to replace them.
5) remove pipes going into compressor
6) remove 3 bolts holding in A/C compressor
7) either replace the bearings and clutch or just replace the whole thing.
8) rebuild in reverse order

£1k seems like a get lost, we don’t want to do it price. I would expect £600-700.
- £75 the bearing/clutch kit
- £60 A/C regas
- £420-560 6-8 hours labour @ £70/hour

It’s worth getting a quote from a specialist A/C garage, they will be cheaper and much better equipped to do it quickly.

 

[rum4mo]

Are you sure that the AC compressor has a clutch, I don't think they have, in fact I'm 99.9% that all AC compressors at least from B8 onwards have constant driven compressors that have their delivery regulated by being variable displacement.

 

[OliNix]

Are you sure that the AC compressor has a clutch, I don't think they have, in fact I'm 99.9% that all AC compressors at least from B8 onwards have constant driven compressors that have their delivery regulated by being variable displacement.

I think your correct [mention]jasons69 [/mention]it’s a completely new compressor then (assuming the noise is actually coming from the compressor)

eBay says £150-200 used. I think the OEM Denso one new is £350-400


OliNix
B8.5 S4 Avant - Glacier White

 

[jasons69]

Hi all,

mine does look like it's the electromagnetic one, that said, if I cant do it myself then it will be going for a professional to do.

oli- good point re aircon specialist- will investigate that option.

 

[jasons69]

Just to update...

new compressor installed.
was relatively easy, emptied system, replaced compressor, regassed.

silence now from the front end..

 

[g00se]

I've had my S4 for a few weeks now, and I too have a front end whine that rises in pitch with revs.... however it appears to be Mrs Goose in the passenger seat

 

[SCC9]

A little late to this thread

I have a very similar issue as described. I have a 2013 B8.5, 2.0 tdi 177HP, There is a whine from front, which sounded alternator related and thus changed it, but the noise is still there.

Seems now to be local to lower half of the car im suspecting AC compressor area, but hope I can be proved incorrect!
I've revently had the AC compressor regassed etc... and still no change.

@jasons69, did this fully resolve the issue since replacing? Could you provide me with a rough idea on time/cost to change?

Happy for anyone else to provide input if they have faced similar issues?