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.

[takearushfan]

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.

I just finished and I'm so relieved... it's perfect now, yep. The most annoying thing for me was getting the bolt out that's nearest to the reservoir.

[joatmon]

I just finished and I'm so relieved... it's perfect now, yep. The most annoying thing for me was getting the bolt out that's nearest to the reservoir.

Great that your "jumping the gun" was the right call and that the car is fixed

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.

that's what always gets to me. You'll read a repair procedure and the first step will be "unplug the connector" and it takes 30 minute to solve the connector release, or a step will be "remove the three screws" and it takes an hour to even find the third screw, or hours trying to figure out what tools you have to combine or make in order to reach it. then there's always my problem of spending way too much time trying to find where I put the tool I need to use in step 5 that I just used in step 2. If I was an auto mechanic I'd better get paid by the hour

[takearushfan]

I just finished and I'm so relieved... it's perfect now, yep. The most annoying thing for me was getting the bolt out that's nearest to the reservoir.

Great that your "jumping the gun" was the right call and that the car is fixed

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.

that's what always gets to me. You'll read a repair procedure and the first step will be "unplug the connector" and it takes 30 minute to solve the connector release, or a step will be "remove the three screws" and it takes an hour to even find the third screw, or hours trying to figure out what tools you have to combine or make in order to reach it. then there's always my problem of spending way too much time trying to find where I put the tool I need to use in step 5 that I just used in step 2. If I was an auto mechanic I'd better get paid by the hour

Yes! Heck even replacing the mass airflow sensor, I didn't at the time yet understand how to get the dang clip undone

[andrewclaus]

I pulled the aluminum cylinder head off a 90s Asian import, simply mechanically, maybe 30 minutes of wrenching, light work. But I counted ten sensors and actuators that had to be unplugged, each one was different, and each one took at least ten minutes to disconnect, with various "third hand" solutions.

That's good the noise was easily fixed. When mine failed, it was sudden and obvious the first time the A/C was used last summer. When I opened the hood, I could see and hear the fan was the source of the horrible noise right away. In my town, there are many thousands of old Corollas being driven by people who work with their hands and work on their cars, so the local parts stores stock the stuff that breaks. I had it fixed in hours.