2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Weird sound when A/C is running

ECLIPSEMLS

MEMBER
2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
55,000 MILES

I have noticed recently that when my a/c is running I hear a rush of air or water that almost sounds like metal against metal or like high pressure steam running through a metal pipe. I know this sounds weird, but I can't explain it any better. It seems to also cause my engine to bog down. The sound comes and goes like in waves. It starts real soft and then gets real loud and then soft again. Then it stops for a minute and starts all over again. The noise does not happen when I have the a/c off, so I am assuming that it has to do with the a/c. Also, I had a new a/c compressor, evaporator, expansion valve, and dryer about 4 months ago. Shortly after it was installed, my timing belt bracket broke and to make a long story short, I had a 2004 engine put in 5 weeks ago. Car runs perfect except for this noise.

3 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,395 POSTS

Have you ever considered an Exorcism?
To your problem. Is the noise comming from under the dash or the hood? If from under the hood, it may be the radiator cooling fan. The fan comes on with the a/c and runs all the time. Is the fan blade restricted in anyway? Is the blade missing any blades or warped? If yes to any of the above, this will create a growling noise. Does your a/c cool well? Please advise if you don't find the problem.