Whine in A/C compressor

[Musikmann]

Hi Guys,

My apologies if this has been covered previously but I used the search function and after reading several threads, could not find my issue.

1991 Camry w/119,000+ miles - father bought it new, I have driven it since 4/12,000 miles and I think I have the complete service history.

For at least the last 2 summers I have noticed when the A/C is engaged there is a whining noise. When I depress the A/C button it stops so I'm pretty sure it is the compressor making this noise. It is quite obvious when sitting at idle, but the faster I am driving, the less I can hear it to the point at 60+ mph it is undetectable. The A/C blows cold, maybe not as well as when the car was new, but certainly acceptable for a neraly 19 year old beast.

I asked a dealer tech to listen for it and he could not hear it at all. However, he was listening outside the car, whereas I am usually inside when I notice it. I can hear it at idle if I am outside the car.

1)What is the most likely thing going on here?
2)Do I have R12 (original fill, never serviced to my knowledge)?
3))Can I even evacuate/refill with R12 these days?
4)Is there some way to lubricate the compressor?

Thanks in advance,

Musikmann

[fredk]

be sure the radiator fans are going

[Musikmann]

I'll do that Fred, that didn't occur to me so thanks for the idea.

Checked the fans when the compressor was engaged and they are both turning. Any other thoughts please?