There is a thread with a Known TSB fix for inoperative A/C compressors,

http://www.subaruxvforum.com/forum/...on-forum/104114-known-problem-c-compressors-model-year-2014-2016-subarus-5.html

However it does speak to Not fixing Noisey A/C compressors, only those that become inoperative..

2015 XV and yes we do have some A/C noise, nothing I haven't heard before on other brands, part of the cycling on/off, although some sound worse than others

Troutbum

 

That's normal. Almost all cars with that style compressor sound like that

 

Mine doesn't sound like that (it does make a faint whining noise though). My dad's Outback (2016) does not sound like that. My prior Tacoma didn't sound like that. My fiance's 2014 XV doesn't sound like that. Her brother's identical XV does not sound like that. Point is, no car that myself or my family have ever owned sounded like that. It isn't normal.

It is impossible to say whether it is the clutch or compressor. I believe the TSB refers to replacing the entire compressor but seems to indicate that the actual fix is a newer clutch with different internal mechanics. So I don't see why you couldn't replace just the clutch, but I don't know.

 

Mine doesn't sound like that (it does make a faint whining noise though). My dad's Outback (2016) does not sound like that. My prior Tacoma didn't sound like that. My fiance's 2014 XV doesn't sound like that. Her brother's identical XV does not sound like that. Point is, no car that myself or my family have ever owned sounded like that. It isn't normal.

Add me to the list of NOT having that noise on either 2015 XV.

It is impossible to say whether it is the clutch or compressor. I believe the TSB refers to replacing the entire compressor but seems to indicate that the actual fix is a newer clutch with different internal mechanics. So I don't see why you couldn't replace just the clutch, but I don't know.

I would say the clutches are funky. There is an Air Tek Oil Charger Lubricant I've heard good stuff about. Quiets the clutches.... but this is not something a modern day vehicle should sound like from under the hood. I would seriously bring it into a Subaru dealer and have them check it out, at least document the complaint.

 

I never heard that in any car with A/C, its like there's a coffee grinder in there.
Clutches might be an easier job but if its the compressor then it involves working on all the system, replacing fluids lost during the job, fiddling with vacuum pumps etc. Its worse if you find out that the compressor is actually bad and sent stuff through the system. That I know one of the first thing a shop would check is the charge and pressure, which noises also can sound similar to a grind.
A/C can be the kind of PITA job that is more convenient to let a shop do rather than yourself, even because of some particular tools needed. I'd bring it to the dealer if you have a decent one at hand.

 

Look at this link

https://subaru.oemdtc.com/360/new-ac-compressor-clutch-assembly-2014-2016-subaru