A/C broken

[sossy]

I tried out my ac the other day and the belt whined until I hit the gas a little. when I let off the gas the idle dropped a lot and some kind of rattling sound came from the engine area. Can anybody tell me what that is before I go and get ripped off by a mechanic?

[sickhonda]

If you're not getting any cold air blowing through the vents, compressor might be shot. Check the bearing gear of the compressor, must be lock in engaged position causing the friction sound.
Cheapest aproach will be to buy one from local junk yard. A used compressor will cost somewhere between $100-$150, less during off season ($50-$75 on winter months).
You must discharge the freon completely and properly before servicing the A/C. Don't release it through the environment because it depletes the ozone layer.:sun:
It will also require a special lubrication during assembly to prevent any premature breakdown of A/C component parts when exposed to air.
When complete, do a freon recharge ( done at your local service station) and you're all set. :coolguy: