I've just had some work done on my WRX which required the Aircon Gas to be let out. I need to get it filled again by a refrigeration company but after driving it today its extremely noisy.
Can anyone confirm if its just a symptom of driving without gas in it or should I stop driving till its filled again as damage may occur due to lack of coolant.

Regards
CK

HI CAMMY

You have wasted that expensive A/C gas
should have reclaimed it ( A/C shop can do that) you can then recharege it again

First ,no point in running the A/C with out
any refrigerant in the system.

Second, there should not be any kind of noise if it is switched off ( compressor
clutch is dis engaged)...

And by the way, IF your A/C uses the newer
R134 gas then unfortunately you're in for an
expensive surprise (i.e. costly) as compared with the previously used R12 ,which was banned from use due to environmental reasons

I would get the whole system checked if I
were you.

GOOD LUCK

The bit that seems to be the problem is the front bit that the belt connect's onto, rather than inside the compressor. It looks like its burnt out with lots of red dust crap all around it and the front plate is now discoloured due to heat. Hopefully its just a bearing, my conclusion on the garage is that they are crap so I'll not be using them again(So Called Subaru Specialists....).

Cheers
Cammy

Which garage are you refering to Cammy please (off-list reply pref), I keep a list of unofficial service agents. An air con recharge locally to here (Swindon) is £48 plus the dreaded - but it sounds as if your system has been run without any oil in it, as the oil is held in suspension with the refrigerant gas, to keep the pump etc lubricated.

Damaged/dried-up compressor shaft seals due to lack of refridgerant?

Slightly off-thread, but my air con condenser is leaking and needs replacing. I have a choice of a UK Subaru part at £253 + VAT or one off a 1995 STi, which has a part no ZJP503708-2780 (the part no on my STi V3 is ZJP503708-3250) which is described as perfect and is £50 + VAT.

Are the parts interchangeable (despite the slight variation in number) and is it a false economy to fit 2nd hand in this case?

Please help!!!