Could be, but how would moisture get in without a leak, unless it was there from the factory?

Yeah the rear AC lines for the LR3 are apparently a problem point as well, from what I hear. Some people just choose to block them off when they start to leak.

 

If the system isn't leaking. That groan is most likely the clutch bearing. That also explains the noise going away when the ac compressor clutch unlocks. Eventually it will seize up, or the movement on the shaft cause the compressor to leak. Just my thoughts

 

Our compressors do not have clutches, they are a variable displacement clutchless design.

 

Really cool, not sure how I missed this as I know every worthless dorky fact about all of these vehicles - but that's a new one. I guess the system has generally worked well for me so I didn't care.

But yeah it's smart, it just varies the output with solenoid valves depending on the line pressure reported to the computers.

Totally blows my mind how ahead of the game they were in 2004.

I really need to do a fresh recovery / recharge on mine now, just to make sure it's running 110%. I guess I'll still need it for defrost in the fall / spring.