Coolant leak. Groaning noise when A/C on--> expansion val

[96ti]

every time I turn on my A/C, there is a kinda groanning sound comes from inside the hood. It's usually most noticeable when accelerating from stop or right before a stop. As soon as I turn off the A/C, the engine again sounds as smooth as ever. As I've read on 318ti.org, the 96ti has a unique problem with its expansion vale so I guess my car is not an exception. Does anyone have the same problem or have any idea what that is? beside, the coolant leaks from where the upper hose, the engine and the lower hose joint. I guess it's due to a bad gasket or a broken plastic housing (I guess that's what it's called). I went to a repair shop and they charge 50 bucks for just replacing the gasket or $150 for the housing. I think I can do it myself, so does any1 knows where I can get the gasket or the housing for a good price? Thanks so much.

[96ti]

I solved the leaking problem, it was the thermostat (what I called housing --> stupid me) that broken. Still, any idea about the groaring noise??

[1996 328ti]

http://www.318ti.org/tsbs/groaring.html

[bimmerboi318]

i had my ac expansion valve repaired under warranty 2 years ago. it still makes a groaning noise though. its just a different kind of groaning now. but its been 2 years and no real problems besides the noise. the ac still works fine.

[ayton]

if you have the interior circulation button depressed it will increase the noise. I found this when I first got the car turning it off kills it completely

[LTI]

hi 96ti
to verify the problem of the groaning noise when the A/C is on.

step 1. start and let the car idle
2. turn on the A/C and listen for noise at the A/C compressor.
it could be your A/C compressor bearing.

dont' forget to inspect the condition of the the belt. check for crack, loose, and oil.