After $300 for hoses to be changed and recharge, the ac is still making the noise that everyone complains about in the 06. I'm assuming it's the compressor now since it only kicks on when it wants and still makes the noise pretty loud. It doesn't leak and it has just been charged.
What I'm trying to figure out, is there anything else this sounds like? Id love not to pay $700 to this this fixed if it could be something else. Also, when it does come on and make the noise, it blows cold. Thanks for any help!

 

A/C clutches have been known to go bad and make noise when they do work. An A/C shop should have been able to point to it.

 

Well they did. Said the job would be $700 to do. Just making sure wasn't anything else before I pulled the trigger. My hoses seemed to be fine so must be the compressor.

 

For a shop, that would be a good price if they were changing the entire compressor. If that's just for the clutch, not so much.....

 

Just a minor correction - not all 06's make the noise referred to in the first post - that is not a correct statement.

 

And I'll ask a minor question.......

The a/c hose change........how was it done....by a dealer, an independent, or you? Did YOU ask for the hose change, or did you ask for a repair to remove the growl? If you asked for a repair to eliminate the growl, the shop owes you some money!!

 

We had our 06 for 7+ years....never experienced that noise.

 

I'm guessing that this tsb are the hoses you had changed.

#06-01-38-004B: Growl Noise from Engine Compartment (Replace Condenser Tube and Evaporator Hose Assembly) - (Aug 7, 2006)


Subject: Growl Noise from Engine Compartment (Replace Condenser Tube and Evaporator Hose Assembly)


Models: 2006 Chevrolet HHR

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Condition
Some customers may comment on a growl noise coming from the engine compartment. The customer may associate the noise with turning on the A/C system.

Correction
Replace the condenser tube and the evaporator hose assembly. Do not replace the A/C compressor assembly.




Technicians are to replace the condenser tube, P/N 15877652, and the evaporator hose assembly, P/N 15877651. Refer to the Condenser Tube Replacement and the Evaporator Hose Assembly Replacement service procedures in SI for more information. Install a clip, P/N 15991719, at the location shown by callout number one in the illustration above. Verify proper operation of the A/C system after replacement of these parts.

Parts Information
Part Number/Description/ Qty

15877651 Hose Assembly-A/C Evaporator 1

15877652 Tube Assembly-A/C Condenser 1

15991719 Clip 1

 

It should be pointed out that TSBs are guidance to Dealership Service Departments as to what GM will pay them to do. I.E. Do not change compressor (unless it is broken, and covered otherwise).

 

last year, i had the "growl" in low gear on my manual shift 2006 HHR....right away, the dealer wanted to swap out the compressor. bought the TSB to their attention(actually had a copy of it to show them)...the serv mgr complied with the TSB and did the three part number swap......growl gone instantly and never returned.......basically, the original ac lines were solid for their entire length.....the "new" hi-pressure line has an in-line section of reinforced ac line RUBBER hose. seems the rubber section absorbs some of the resonance when the hi pressure sides under pressure........the new line mount(which attached to the firewall) also helps to isolate both the hi and lo pressure lines..........either which way.....all fixed.