I need expert opinions on this... I've been hearing a constant humming/whining noise on my '03 TL-P, but it's sort of a wobbly noise, so my first guess was that it's just a belt or pulley. It's not very loud, but definitely noticeable, and constant. Even if my a/c is turned off, it's still there, and doesn't get worse/louder when I turn on the a/c. Also, the a/c is still ice cold, no problems at all.

The shop I take it to says my compressor is ready to die and that it's going to be ~$900 for parts and labor. Obviously I'm skeptical, so I take it to the dealer to get it checked out. They called first thing this morning (great way to start the day!) and said the noise is definitely coming from the compressor, and they quote me ~$1,100.

Here are my questions - doesn't the clutch on the compressor keep it from being engaged constantly? Why am I hearing the noise all the time, even when the a/c is off, or why doesn't it get worse when it's on? Shouldn't my air have quit blowing cold if the compressor's shot?

Finally... if the thing really does need to go, where's the best place to get one? The dealer's quoting me $700-something, but said that if I got a new one and brought it in (presumably from somewhere like Delray which has them for $516) that they would install it. What's the risk in getting a used or rebuilt one, and where would I find one?

Thanks in advance... I've been a lurker on the site for awhile now, but I've always found the answers to any question I've had about this car.

 

If it is bad it could be the bearings in the unit causing it. I had one go bad the year i bought the car and it was the bearings. By time i got home (was on vacation) you could see the pulley wobbling. My ac still worked. The compressor isnt a trouble part on the TL so maybe you could pick up a used one? Or use the site below

http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...catdisplay.jsp

 

The only concern I would have with bringing in your own compressor is that if the dealer installs it and two months later it craps the bed, you have to pay the dealer (or another shop) labor to do it again. I assume that with an Acura compressor that they'll give you some sort of warranty on parts and labor.

 

my 03 TL-S has that same noise. I never really took it anywhere to get looked at but everything you wrote above is exactly what im experiencing and damn 900-1100 is a whole lot for a compressor.

 

first check if its just the ac belt tensioner pulley. those like to go out!
Buy a 5-10$ mechanics stethascope at parts store and have a listen!!
If the compressor bearings are bad you will hear the differance immediatly

AC is a regulated job now- but the home diy is still permitted

 

Kragen sells a new clutch with compressor for $287. Why would you pay $900 for something that you can get way cheaper if you do it yourself.