If your 997 ever sounds like this...

[OggyDJ]

Then check out the A/C compressor

OPC fitted a new compressor a couple of weeks ago to cure a much milder version of this noise. Was ok when I picked it up but then on next cold start.....sounded like a bucket of bolts in a tumble drier !

Had it recovered to OPC on Friday (as didn't fancy driving it sounding like this) and they just phoned me to say having checked all pulleys / ancillaries, they finally found its the new compressor thats buggered !

Thankfully, I have warranty as 2-3 days at OPC labour rates would be pocket worrying !

So, if your car starts making a scraping / grating noise like mine did, check the A/C compressor first

[bobsan]

so brand new comp fail's after week, have to wonder if it was actually new to start with.

also what was the mileage on original comp when it started to fail ??

[OggyDJ]

bobsan said:

so brand new comp fail's after week, have to wonder if it was actually new to start with.

also what was the mileage on original comp when it started to fail ??

I wondered exactly same initially !! Although they assured me on first visit that it had been swapped for a new one (even though wasn't mentioned on the paperwork when I collected it....I actually wrote on it myself "replaced compressor" for the record Have used this OPC for 6 yrs now and always found them really good so I do still believe they did change it.

Mileage is just short of 30k

Reason for posting this by the way (in case anyone is wondering ) is I was really worried it might be the engine....sounded really mechanically horrible ! I know Mezgers are meant to be bullet-proof but sounded like a bearing or something so started to think the worse.

Hopefully, this might save others the worry if theirs starts making a similar noise.

[OggyDJ]

Ok, its now had 2 new AC compressors fitted and is still sounding like a Lada Riva on a bad day (cold start & idle)

Hence it's not likely to be the compressor after all !!

So it's back to the garage we go......once again, feeling very relieved that I extended the warranty

If anyone else ever had a noise like this on their car, I would be very interested to hear what the problem was in the end ??

[Martian O]

So it's got an OPC warranty and they can't find the problem? Try another OPC?

I had a similar problem allbeit a starting issue. I had an OPC warranty (bought from OPC), they replaced the normal stuff (nice work if you can get it) but it still had the problem. Enter a recommended independent who found the fault in 15 minutes, did I renew my warranty or use an OPC again.......

Edited by Martian O on Tuesday 5th February 15:23

[STiG911]

BEFORE anyone says, Yes, I know the engines are different, but this still sounds like a worn Ancilliary Drive Belt tensioner. A common fault on the M97 engine.

[OggyDJ]

Martian O said:

So it's got an OPC warranty and they can't find the problem? Try another OPC?

I had a similar problem allbeit a starting issue. I had an OPC warranty (bought frm OPC), they replaced the normal stuff (nice work if you can get it) but it still had the problem. Enter a recommended independent who found the fault in 15 minutes, did I renew my warranty or use an OPC again.......

yes, this is plan B !

To be fair to my OPC, it's leaving them each time sounding fine.....then sits in my (dry, heated) garage for a week and on next start up, the gremlin decides to re-appear. So it's not being an easy one to get to the bottom of.

This post wasn't intended to be a gripe at OPCs (hasn't reached that stage.......yet). Was more just a question if anyone ever had this before and if so, what was the route cause because as said, it's proving very tricky to identify.

[OggyDJ]

Finally got my car back today

Problem was eventually diagnosed as one of the fixings which holds the AC compressor to the engine. This was worn and subsequently allowing the compressor to move slightly which in turn made the pulley out of alignment with the drive belt which in turn made it sound like a Lada Riva !

All sorted now though and car returned to me looking (and more importantly sounding) like new again

Returned my amazing courtesy car (very reluctantly I might add !!) and am absolutely delighted with the treatment and service I received from my OPC. Thank you OPC, one VERY happy customer

[Arenki]

ohh. well i never. My cars making this exact same noise.

Just what I need after paying for a new roof on my house. superb.