Mazda 3 2008 - Clicking noise at low RPM with AC on

Imesh Umayanga · March 12

Hi all,

The title sums it up. There is a clicking noise when RPM drops below 1000. Goes away when AC is turned off. I have attached a video with the noise. Anybody with a similar experience?
My milage is <100,000. Thanks in advance!

https://streamable.com/ubmq3n

Hyaenidae · March 12

Is the AC blowing cold air? Sounds like the AC clutch or the compressor itself is going out.

Imesh Umayanga · March 12

On 3/12/2025 at 7:24 AM, Hyaenidae said:

Is the AC blowing cold air? Sounds like the AC clutch or the compressor itself is going out.

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Yes. No problem with cooling. And this doesn't start straightaway after a cold start. Takes some time.

Hyaenidae · March 12

On 3/12/2025 at 7:32 AM, Imesh Umayanga said:

Yes. No problem with cooling. And this doesn't start straightaway after a cold start. Takes some time.

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See whether the noise is from the AC compressor - here's how

Imesh Umayanga · March 12

On 3/12/2025 at 8:08 AM, Hyaenidae said:

See whether the noise is from the AC compressor - here's how

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Thanks mate!

john cooper · March 13

What happens if you keep the reves above 1000 RPM, Are any changes to the noise?

Imesh Umayanga · March 13

On 3/13/2025 at 12:19 AM, john cooper said:

What happens if you keep the reves above 1000 RPM, Are any changes to the noise?

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No noise above 1000 RPM

Imesh Umayanga · March 31

Got it fixed. To give an update for anyone facing a similar issue, it was the AC compressor worn out (bit strange with my milage). Had a wiggling pulley issue as well (bearing was alright). Got a reconditioned replacement for Rs. 35 000/= from Nugegoda. Complete repair cost Rs. 48 000/= (Gas + Labor charge).

Hyaenidae · March 31

On 3/31/2025 at 11:51 AM, Imesh Umayanga said:

Got it fixed. To give an update for anyone facing a similar issue, it was the AC compressor worn out (bit strange with my milage). Had a wiggling pulley issue as well (bearing was alright). Got a reconditioned replacement for Rs. 35 000/= from Nugegoda. Complete repair cost Rs. 48 000/= (Gas + Labor charge).

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Not at all strange with your mileage, the compressor works at its max capacity 100% of the time the car is in operation in a climate like ours. Compressors going out at 50K-60K Kms is fairly common especially if you have a clutchless compressor like 260 Premios and Allions do

Anyways thanks for the update and glad you got it fixed without breaking the bank!