So, when I bought my 2003 r53 a year ago, the AC was frigid. Over time, it has gotten less cold, but it's still cold on the passenger side.
-1st noticable issue: whenever the AC is on the belt tensioner ticks. I ignore it because I usually drive with no AC anyways. This has basically been happening for the year I've owned the car.

It's HOT here in Florida, so I have been really wanting the option to use my AC. Probably 3 weeks ago I threw some freon in it so make it cold again and some issues came up that I don't want to ignore.

-Immediately after putting freon in, there was ticking but it was MUCH louder, didn't sound like the tensioner anymore.
-Upon driving, I noticed the ticking was whenever the condenser was turning on. Then realized how often the condensor is turning off.
-When I'm driving, it makes an annoying howling noise as I'm taking off.
-Seems like the AC clutch almost PULLS me when it kicks on as I'm driving. It's always noisy also.

Why did all of this start happening AFTER I put freon in it? Is it just a coincedence? Or did I do something wrong?
Obviously I need a new condensor/AC clutch/belt tensioner but could something else be wrong too? I'm going to bring it to a shop to take out the freon, then I will be repairing. What should I look out for additionally when I'm under there?

 

Anyone? Any help is appreciated, guys!

 

First, you added R134a, and not freon, correct?
Second, the compressor kicks on, not the condenser - the condenser is passive.

If your compressor is bad/binding, it may be adding additional drag to the engine - only way to know is to spin it by hand. Additional drag could lead to chirping/howling and a significant feeling of 'slowness' when it kicks in as the belt slips on the AC pulley. The ticking could be related to a bad compressor, though I can't say I've heard that described before.

If your compressor is bad, you replace the compressor and the drier. No need to replace the condenser unless it's been damaged/has a hole in it. The AC clutch is integral with the compressor. It can be replaced by itself, but it sounds like your clutch is working fine.

 

The compressors tend to make lots of noise when overfilled....
The entire mini system uses less than 16 oz of 134a.....much less oil...before spening $$ on a fix...have it serviced.

 

Doh...I don't know why I always get the condenser and compressor confused but that is what I meant. Apologies for the confusion. But yes R134a is what I used. So the new thing is a loud whine (almost power steering sound) when I'm driving. Goes away at a stop and fades away when clutch is depressed. Even though I haven't used my AC once since all of this has started happening, is it related? This is so frustrating because we usually work in my garage but can't because we're doing my brother a favor and all his furniture is in there. And we have a steep driveway..this is when all this crap happens Blarg. My boyfriend is changing my oil right now and would look into it while he's working.

 

Your new issue doesn't sound related to the AC issue. Could be the throwout bearing - that tends to change sounds when the clutch is pressed (if it's bad.)

P.S. Tell your bro to get his crap out of your garage so the MINI can live there again.