R32 Air Con Compressor - Whirring Noise When Switched On

[Hydroxinol]

My R32 recently started to make a whirring noise whenever the Air Con is turned on. The noise sounds similar to that of an old fridge, you know that "ratatatatatatat" noise. Almost like a pedestal fan when the plastic fins are clipping on something. The more I increase the fan speed, the louder the noise becomes. I tracked the noise down to the Air Con Compressor under the bonnet. With the Air Con off, the pulley spins freely and does not emit this whirring noise. With the Air Con on, the clutch on the compressor engages and I get this whirring noise. It is also worth noting that the actual Air Con works fine in the car even with this noise going on.

I have taken the pulley off of the compressor and have inspected it. If I spin the pulley freely in my hands it turns for about 1.5 revolutions and emits a really faint grinding noise (have to hold my ear against it to hear this). Is it possible that when the stress of the clutch is put on the pulley that even this faint grinding noise could become amplified into the whirring noise that I have described?

The other possibility which I am suspecting is that there may be bearing or something inside the actual compressor that is stuffed? If this is the case is it possible to get to it without having to remove the compressor? I currently have the clutch plate and pulley removed from the compressor.

Any help would be appreciated.

Edited February 7, 2010 by Hydroxinol