Squealing from front end - random

HI, my 2006 was giving random squeals/whirring noise from the engine. I took it to the shop, asking them to check if it was the serpentine belt?
An hour later they said that two of the three pulleys were wobbly, and needed replacing as well as the belt. OK, the $100 job was now $400. However, within ten feet of leaving the shop, the noise was still there. Took the mechanic for a drive, and he finally heard the noise. One hour later the response was "we 'think' the A/C drive and attached compressor is seizing" - nothing that $1,500 (albeit Canadian dollars) for a reman' compressor couldn't fix couldn't fix.
I questioned why, in February, the A/C would be kicking in - I haven't used it since September?
The response was that it might kick-in of its own accord if there is humidity in the cab?
I said just leave it alone (and questioned why I had to pay $400 to fix the problem that obviously was not the problem? - got the Oh they needed doing response!)
My question is does the A/C squeal if it's seizing when not switched on?
Obviously I am seeking a second opinion (the Service station in question is a Nation Wide operation where I would expect better response - guess I might even have to visit my expensive friends at the Toyota dealership for their verdict - luckily I got a $125 voucher for a class action suit for my wife's Corolla - so it won't cost me too much for the 2nd opinion).
Thoughts - could the switched off A/C be the problem? or other suggestions?

 

The AC will turn on when placed in the defrost mode also.

 

Thanks, I assume that "defrost" would be an option? which mine doesn't have.
My other concern is if the unit seizes, would that expose the serpentine belt to friction spinning over a frozen unit, to the point of burning up, and leaving me without all the other accessories run by the belt such as the alternator?
Yours in learning mode...

 

You misunderstand me.

When you place the mode switch ( on the right ) over to blow on the windshield that is defrost mode. In that mode the air conditioner turns on. It is not an option, they all do it.

If the AC Compressor seizes it will burn out the belt and you will be stuck.

 

OK, thanks for that valuable info' although it begs another question, if I avoid using the defrost mode (which I admit I essentially leave it on that most of the time in my humid west coast location, and put it on interior blow, can I feel comfortable that the A/C compressor will not kick-in?

 

If you want to make sure that the AC Clutch will not engage pull the relay for the magnetic clutch.

Listed as " MG CLT Relay " in the fuse box under the hood.

That will do the job and will not effect anything else. And you can still use the defrost mode without the AC kicking in to help keep the condensate off the windows.

 

did you check your fluid on your power steering? Usually a whirring sound is powersteering...

 

Brilliant idea consider the fuse "pulled".
Now I will check the power steering fluid, and report back.

Thank you gent's

 

Not a fuse. It is a relay.

 

Roger that, relay it is...
Cheers

 

The relay is now removed, and the A/C disengaged. I will now drive around and listen for the squeal (which theoretically should not be there!) until I can get into the Toyota dealership (60 miles away) for their second opinion. (and wilcam47, yes I checked the Power Steering that is full and looks fine).
Many thanks Jimmyh, you are a wise man indeed!

 

its always good to eliminate as many possibilities especially when dealing with unknown noises....

 

Glad I could assist. Update when you get to the dealer!

 

there is a MOD for the A/C disconnect while in defrost mode--not sure if it is for you gen--believe it has to do with removing the tab under the switch-so it can go beyond the normal switch position. one more click past defrost mode..
If you cannot locate the MOD--send me a PM--I will look too.
Found it--1st gen mod- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/defrost-without-a-c-mod.126495/

 

I know this is an older thread. But just wondering if the sound you heard was similar to the one in my video.

https://youtu.be/wqVtgV3xq6Q

I know its not the fan making the noise, as I checked it.