So the AC in my '02 RS has a whine/tiger/whirring growl sound that my SS does not have. The compressor has been replaced before under extended warranty and will likely be replaced again, but what else could be causing such a crazy noise?

Belt is relatively new, btw.

 

The only moving parts is the compressor. The only other noise the system can make is a vibrating or leaking sound. An internal restriction can cause a leak type sound without leaking. Vibration sound would cause by a loose compressor or lines rubbing.

I little noise from the compressor is not concidered a failure. Just because one compressore is a little louder then another does not mean the compressor is not in spec. It could make that noise for the next 150K.

To get it fixed on a new car you would have to hear it from inside the car.

 

Make sure the noise you hear is from the compressor, and not from an idler pulley or another nearby accessory. If the noise is only while the compressor clutch is engaged, then you can pretty much figure it's the compressor.

 

maybe the neighbors missing cat?

 

I get literally NO noise from the AC on my SS -- the RS is completely whining/growling like a tiger, esp. under load, but even at low RPM driving around the parking lot. The sound does vary with RPM levels, and I hear it clearly inside the car w/windows up. The sound is only with the AC on, and not heard at WOT when the AC is disengaged.

 

Extended warranty replaced the compressor for the 2nd time in <2 yrs and the noise is STILL there. There must be some GM technote if this is a common issue -- anyone have this AC supercharger-like whine noise?

Hmm, this seems similar:
http://flashoffroad.com/Maintenance/...llyService.htm

 

If the guys that replaced the oil and R134 in your system got too much oil in or did not evacuate the system properly you will hear "boiling" in the evaporator It is just the gas passing through the liquid water or oil. I had a car of mine do this with an R12 system and due to the price of R12 at the time I was not going to have it serviced a second time. I simply lived with the sound as annoying as it was.

Massey

 

It is more of a mechanical strenuous sounding whirring sound, which really rears its ugly head around 4-4500 RPMs -- turn off the AC and it stops. Makes me think maybe belt tensioner, idler pulley, or some other... It also makes a but of a low rpm rumble too.

I would not describe it as a boiling sound -- would be great to hear a sound clip example. I should also record one.

 

Can you feel the growl if you lay your hand on the engine with it running?

Do you have access to an Ipod/Iphone?

 

I did not try, but do not believe so. It seems to be only under load. Yes, but the car is currently at the Chevy shop.