AC compressor or fan assembly? (noise)

[takearushfan]

Hi all. My 2006 Vibe has lately been making an obnoxious noise sometimes when the AC is on. It doesn't always do this but it's frequent enough to be irritating. I attached a link to a YouTube video to show you. I read it can be the AC compressor (God help me if that's the case) or possibly the assembly which would be more ideal. Does that seem accurate based on this video? What else might it be? The plastic shroud itself is secure as is the radiator itself, I will say though that the plastic fan blade can be slightly moved back a bit if you try to pull it towards you even slightly. It looks almost like the blade might be knocking on the shroud's plastic. Please take a look and advise. I appreciate it.

The video record recording:

[youtube]https://youtu.be/DKzgCA5-eWQ?is=0ehWlQC7Itei0xfn[/youtube]

[jolt]

From that video, it looks like the fan assembly should be replaced. Video is never a good way to identify a noise source. You could try unplugging the power wiring to the fan motor and then run the A/C again. Checking if noise has gone away. As these Vibes get older, it is harder and harder to locate parts. If all else fails, check your car salvage yards for a used replacement fan assembly. You can also try this site to check salvage yards: https://www.partshotlines.com/

[takearushfan]

From that video, it looks like the fan assembly should be replaced. Video is never a good way to identify a noise source. You could try unplugging the power wiring to the fan motor and then run the A/C again. Checking if noise has gone away. As these Vibes get older, it is harder and harder to locate parts. If all else fails, check your car salvage yards for a used replacement fan assembly. You can also try this site to check salvage yards: https://www.partshotlines.com/

Thanks so much. I'm hoping thats what it has as it's relatively affordable compared to a compressor, that's for sure.

[jolt]

Be sure to unplug the fan and test it to make sure the fan is the problem before you buy a replacement. Videos are worthless to identify a noise source.

Just for information, here are new fan assemblies for a 2008 Vibe, so new ones should be available for yours: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/pon ... embly,2181

[takearushfan]

Be sure to unplug the fan and test it to make sure the fan is the problem before you buy a replacement. Videos are worthless to identify a noise source.

Just for information, here are new fan assemblies for a 2008 Vibe, so new ones should be available for yours: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/pon ... embly,2181

I may or may not have not thought to make sure it's the fan, jumped the gun, ordered it and it arrives tomorrow I'm not taking it to anyone either. I'm gonna try to replace it myself. I see the bolts, clips etc are in better reach than I expected so wish me luck

[andrewclaus]

I replaced the fan last summer. I got a replacement at a local auto parts store and had it installed in less than an hour. I replaced radiator hoses this year and remembered how easy the fan came out to give me more access to the lower hose. This time it took minutes.

[takearushfan]

I replaced the fan last summer. I got a replacement at a local auto parts store and had it installed in less than an hour. I replaced radiator hoses this year and remembered how easy the fan came out to give me more access to the lower hose. This time it took minutes.

I'm glad to know there's the possibility I'll successfully do it myself even if it takes an hour. My biggest issue is it looks like the bolts are pretty rusty. I hope it doesn't take too much to free them.

[andrewclaus]

The most time consuming task was unplugging the electrical connector and freeing the cable clips from the fan shroud!

There are just two 10 mm hex screws at the top, they shouldn't be a problem.