[Huney1]

03 Taurus SES Vulcan 50K mi. Started hearing it a week ago and I know it's the compressor because when you turn the AC off and on the whine starts and stops. Not *real* loud but loud enough to hear. Been 85 degrees here and it cools great. Never had the freon checked but I figure if it's cooling that well it doesn't need checking. Replaced the serpentine belt a few months back so it's good.

Anybody ever had such a noise and subsequently the compressor goes bad?
Advance Auto wants $214. for a new one with the clutch and two year warranty, not to bad. Wonder how much an indepent garage will charge to take the old one off and put the new one on, and charge it up ready for summer. Or, should I just drive it until the compressor gives up and dies. No core credit when you buy a new one.