Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: Compressor noise, dodge grand caravan, silicone spray

Question
I have a 97 Dodge Grand Caravan. The compressor makes a whining noise when I accelerate. The A/C puts out warm air. The dealer will charge $700 for a new compressor, but there is no assurance that the expansion valve, evaporator, etc. are okay. Since the car is worth so little, I don't want to spend money to fix it. I can live without A/C. But I am concerned that the compressor will lock up and cause more damage. Is there something I can do to the compressor to make sure it will not freeze up (or to just reduce the noise) so I can drive the car another year before buying a new car?

Answer
The noise could be coming from the PULLEY BEARING which spins even though the compressor is NOT operating OR if you are using the compressor it could be an internal fault.

It could also be just a BELT NOISE. Try spraying the belt with some aerosol SILICONE spray and see if the noise goes away.

If it IS the bearing this can be replaced for about $250.00.