My compressor fan motor started screeching. A quick internet search indicated the fan motor should be replaced and doing so was fairly easy. I pulled the old motor off to get the amperage and RPMs, but then had trouble finding someone that would sell me a replacement. I finally found these guys and the price of the motor seemed very reasonable (1/4 HP, 1075 RPM, $65 + tax). They cautioned me to ensure power was off and to take pictures of the wiring, both of which I had already done, but I appreciated them giving the advice.
Word of advice: I got the AC back up and working with only one hitch, the fan rotation was wrong. I noticed it felt hot while standing next to it and didn't think that was normal, a quick internet search confirmed it. The motor was turning the wrong way, blowing air down and into the compressor unit instead of up and out. A bad capacitor will apparently cause the motor to turn in the wrong direction, but in my case, the motor is reversible and I just had to swap the yellow and black wires. read more