I recently have been hearing this grumbling/whistling noise coming from under the hood, it is especilly audible when i accelerate and after i've been driving for some time. i took it to a local service center and they said my supercharger needs to be replaced. i dont know too much about this problem, but i know it's very expensive!! is there anyway to get my supercharger removed and my car will still run fine? (haven't been to a dealer yet)
No, you can't remove it (in any practical way) but they can be rebuilt pretty cheaply. The noise is just the worn-out plastic drive coupler... which costs about $30:
For starters, check the fluid level in the supercharger. Most people don't know that the oil in there needs to be checked, just as the oil in the engine does. Do note that if it is low, it needs *special* supercharger oil, not regular engine oil. As for the noise, I agree with the other poster. Likely a coupler. You can't take the supercharger off the car and still drive it. However, if it bothers you that much you can take the supercharger belt off, and though you will loose a *lot* of power, you wouldn't hurt the supercharger or engine by doing so. I have driven my car like that for quite a while at different times. As for getting a new supercharger, they are very expensive. You can get a rebuilt one, or if you are mechanically inclined (or know someone who is) you can get the parts yourself and repair it. From what I have read, it isn't that difficult of a job, seeing as the entire supercharger un-bolts off the engine, and if all you need to replace is the coupler (which is in the nose-cone (the part where the belt wraps around)) the nose-cone itself comes off as one piece, making it even easier. Just to let you know, having a supercharger does mean you will hear noises from it. It's part of it's design. It makes noise, but if it's really bad, you should repair it before you have to replace it.
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