Had it diagnosed at my favorite shop (very reputable). They said it is not the belt as suspected. The belt tension is fine. Thet did the 60k maint a few months ago at 56,000 . Had it done early because I tend to forget these things, and I had the money.
They said the noise is coming from the a/c compressor pully, and it would cost about $1700 for the repair parts and labor.
With the help of a knowledgable friend we opened the top engine compartment and suspect it might be something else. Used a rigged listening device to listen to the a/c while running. The noise seems to be coming from the front right section if the compartment, not the a/c compressor which is on the left side (driver side). Any ideas???
Also noticed that the air hose pictured below would collapse when ignition is switched on and go back to normal shape when turned off. Is this hose maybe somehow related to the squeal or is it another problem??
Engine off:
Engine running:
These pics were taken fron the right (passenger) side.