Hi. My name is Wil. I have a 2000 XJR. As I was going home from work I turn the A/C off and I heard a loud noise like if something was caught in the engine or belts or something. I turned the A/C back on and it stops. So now when i turn my car off and restart it everything is fine for about ten minutes and that noise happens again so I have to turn the A/C on so it can stop. Im thinking it might be the compressor but not to sure this just happened to day about a few hours ago. Any replies will help alot.

Thanks,
Wil

 

With the car parked and running, how about opening the hood/bonnet, turning on the AC, and watching the engine bay for 10 mins or so. If any loud noises develop, the source can at least be localized.

 

ok thanks
It makes the noise in the front passenger side
(left side if standing infront of car)of the engine

 

I would guess that it might be the clutch on the AC that is a problem, or maybe an idler pulley slowly failing.....so I wouild look under the hood while wearing eye protection...

 

So is it a clunking or thumping or clanking or squawking or like somebody stepped on the tail of a cat? We need more info to be helpful!

 

Wil, this is just a hunch, but it could be the hub on your A/C compressor. However I assume the compressor is on the driver's side. If the rubber center section has disintegrated it allows the hub to bang around inside the pulley. It can make a hell of a racket. You could have a look at it with the engine off. If the rubber is broken away from the hub shaft you should be able to move the outer portion of the hub from side to side and it may make contact with the inside of the pulley. Obviously, if the hub is good you would have zero side to side movement. You could also look with the car running and turn the A/C on an off to see if the hub is working properly and engaging the compressor. If it is the hub, you will almost certainly need a new compressor.