My friend got a free car from his relative. Only problem is it seems like there is a whining noise coming from the a/c compressor that is pretty audible. But when the a/c is on, the whining tones down a lot to nearly none. Anyone ever experienced this problem with their Accord? He took it to a mechanic and they said it would be a $500 dollar fix, which I think the mechanic is just trying to make some money. Could it be a pulley? Bearing? Any info is very helpful. Thanks!

Car: 2001 Honda Accord 4 door special edition. Automatic transmission. Has about 80k miles on it.

 

Mechanic quoted you a new compressor which you might need.

 

Even if the a/c works fine? I worked at an auto shop for about 5 years and mechanics were always returning expensive parts to us. And our guess was that they were ripping their customers off.

 

You worked at an auto shop or auto parts store?

 

Correction: auto parts store

 

I return expensive parts all the time. If the customer decides not to buy it, I'll return it. Sometimes I'll order it ahead of time even if the customer hasn't confirmed the order just because parts stores take FOREVER to deliver parts even when they'll have 10 guys standing around the store which is located less than a mile away.