i have an 02 wrx wagon and there is a wierd noise that sounds to be either an air leak or a bearing issue coming from my motor. it sounds like it is coming from the acessory next to the alternator on the drivers side, it has metal lines that run into the cab which makes me think it is the ac compressor, and the ac pumps cold air then normal air, then cold air then normal air which makes me think its the ac also. any ideas on what that this noise could be?
thanks

 

Have your ac compressor looked at, it could be starting to go out.

When was the last time you had your AC recharged? Do you use it a lot?

Also to check to make sure your belts are not worn out and starting to slip.

 

i do use it alot because it has been really hot out here latley, but i dont know if the ac has ever been recharged, i just bought the car about a week ago from a dealership and i assumed that it should be fine. the belts are good but the ac doesnt pump consistent cold air, which is what makes me believe its the ac, is that where the ac compressor is though? next to the alternator on the driver side?

 

Yes, that is the A/C compressor.

The fact that you are not getting constant cold air when your A/C is turned on tells me that your system definitely needs to be recharged at the very least.

But the sound you are describing makes me think that maybe your whole compressor is bad, or on it's way out. I would take the car back to the dealership where you bought it, and tell them that you are not getting cold air and you think that your a/c compressor might be getting worn out because it is making funny noises. They should be able to test the system and see if that is the issue.


edit: sorry for taking so long to reply

 

thanks for the ideas and i took it to the dealership and since it was a used car it only had a 1000mi warranty. i was within the warranty and brought it in, first they told me it would be a 120dollar diagnostic fee alone because i wanted them to align the car as well, and then they said it would be upwards of 300 because the warranty only covers internal engine parts and driveline parts. i highly suggest never doing buisness with shaver subaru in thousand oaks. so now im stuch with a compressor thats going out and i have to find a reputable shop to diagnose the issue