Good day all,

A few months ago my Integra developed a "whine" which started at a
faint subtle noise when cold and has now progressed (~6 months) to a
full blown whine all the time, regardless of engine temp, which is
getting unbearable.  169K miles on the odometer.

A friend and I used an automotive stethoscope to try to isolate the
noise, and while it was inconclusive we were leaning toward the A/C,
which the dealer later confirmed for me.

Here's the catch - the noise happens all the time, regardless of
whether the A/C is on or not and varies with RPM.  It sounds very much
like a worn bearing.  (Note that the A/C actually still works great,
which is a godsend considering the heat wave we have had lately!).  The
dealer tells me it is the condenser, which is a one-piece deal ->
$600CND for the part, plus labour.  No thanks.  (His advice was
actually to deal with the noise, and if it gets real bad one day to
just cut the belt off and be done with it, a luxury I can afford since
the car uses 3 drive belts for the alternator, A/C and PS rather than a
serpentine).

Anyway, just wondering if anyone has encountered this before, and
whether this "one-piece" deal is really true.  I am also wondering if
it is possible that it may not be the compressor itself but actually
the tensioner for that belt...?  I have no interest in spending $1K to
fix this, but if I can get it done for $100 then I'd do it...

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any help......

- Kevin