whining noise when A/C is turned on

Hey Guys...

There is a new problem with my car but I do not know what it is. Hopefully somebody can chime in with suggestions or maybe they have seen this before.

I have a 6spd 2000 Firebird Forumla with about 90K miles on it. The car runs fine but when I turn on the A/C(not including the settings where it just brings in outside air), I hear a higher pitch whining sound from under the hood. The moment I turn off the A/C, the sound goes away. This happens whether I'm at idle or driving at any speed, gear, RPM.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Ben

My compressor did this right before it locked up and started chattering....
Do you still have your AIR Pump as well(emissions)

I'm not exactly sure what the AIR pump is but I havent not done anything under the hood except add a new lid and K&N filter.

The air pump is under the drivers side headlight. The AC compressor is under the passengers side headlight(in that area) See where it is comming from and report back:)

It sounds like its coming from where all the belts are. I used my digital camera and made a little avi of the sound with and without the AC turned on. The quality is not that great but you can hear the sound.

Thanks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGHyj1u3dTQ

HAHAHAHA... wow.. yeah sounds familiar bro!! I cut my belt off.. mine does it too...

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94059

What do I need to replace and is it easy or is this something I should take to the shop? I'm strapped for cash these days and I prefer to do it myself if possible. Do you have any part numbers and I look up the pricing. Thanks man.

youll need a compressor and to recharge the system... thats all. post it up on the wanted forums. lots of people delete them

I see a bunch on the for sale.

If I dont replace it right away, the worst that can happen is my AC stops working right? Or can there be more damage by waiting?

Take the belt off till you get it fixed.. it could lock up and stall your engine.. or be lazy and cut it off.. :)