[Eithne]

Hello. My mechanic has diagnosed a whining noise in my 159 as a buggered aircon pump. It does have that sort of worn bearing sound but these pumps are scarily expensive so obviously am hoping he's mistaken.

If not, I wondered if it's possible to bypass the pump in some way? If it is, will I still have a working heater? (I never press the snowflake button, never, because why would I? This is Ireland - it's flipping freezing all the time.)

And if it's not possible to bypass the pump, would it be the height of folly to get a second-hand one?

Thanks in advance

 

[MattB159]

Have you had it properly regassed? They make a horrible noise if they are low on gas.

 

[sprint_veloce]

Shouldn't make noise when low on gas - the clutch won't engage when there's not enough gas pressure in the system. If the air con makes noise when it's not on then it's probably the clutch/pulley arrangement, most likely a bearing in the pulley.

I'd try a second hand unit, if it was cheap enough and known good.

 

[MattB159]

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-159-brera-andamp-946-spider/249729-noisy-air-con-fix.html

If they are too low then you're correct and they wont engage, but just a little low and they sound awful.

 

[pipolo71]

No idea for Ireland, I have used Midnight motor to source my air-con pump and they are a lot cheaper. I think I paid £280 against the almost £800 from franchised dealer.
They are made by the same company regardless if you buy from Alfa dealer or else. Only difference is the card board box used in the packaging.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=m...nVpqLNePR6AST4bKADQ#q=midnight+motors+wembley

 

[Eithne]

I posted that question and then left the room. Sorry for being so rude. Thanks all for your help. It makes the whining noise whether on or off. Mechanic is pretty confident it's a bearing in the pump so I won't argue. I'm going to try and get a second-hand one if I can find the right part number, and then see about getting the one that's in there reconditioned so I'll have a reliable spare.