[dracodoc]

My AC outside unit have this random noise of rattling. I looked around and didn't see anything blocking the fan blade, and the fan doesn't seem to touch anything when running.


I tried to press the side panel and the noise stopped with certain pressure. I removed the pressure and the noise came back after some time (not immediately).

The panel seemed to be still secured with minimal movement.


Is this caused by vibration of panel, or something inside that touching the panel? How should I fix it?

 

[yuri]

That sounds VERY bad.

Almost like the compressor is making some loud noises and transmitting them to the housing.

You should get a tech to check the compressor as one of the internal mounting springs it rides on may be broken. Could also be the scrolls inside it are banging or damaged.

If it is under 10 yrs old it may have a warranty on the compressor and need replacing. If it gets destroyed it can contaminate the whole system with acid and then cost 2-3X as much to repair.

 

[dracodoc]

Thanks Yuri again for the help!


I called one tech but he just asked me to open the panel to see anything loose. After turned off AC and the power, and double verified, I opened the side panel.


I didn't see anything from outside, there was something in a rectangle box by the side panel. I cleaned out some debris in the unit floor, then turned on the AC to observe it.


The first video I posted was the more extreme version of noise, this video is the regular noise I heard in most time, sounds like some rattling to me.

I double checked there was nothing touching the fan, and the fan can move freely with my hand, maybe with a tiny bit of movement.

That sounds VERY bad.

Almost like the compressor is making some loud noises and transmitting them to the housing.

You should get a tech to check the compressor as one of the internal mounting springs it rides on may be broken. Could also be the scrolls inside it are banging or damaged.

If it is under 10 yrs old it may have a warranty on the compressor and need replacing. If it gets destroyed it can contaminate the whole system with acid and then cost 2-3X as much to repair.