The a/c pulley seems to be chewing up the bearing. Any ideas what causes this? Does the whole a/c unit need to be replaced or just the pulley? what if I just drive it as is? Thanks for any help.

 

What do you mean it's chewing up the bearing? Which bearing?
Or was this an auto correct issue and meant belt? And if you meant belt, is the AC pulley seized or wobbling (I have not heard if it wobbling, but first for anything).

 

It wasn't auto correct. I'm assuming the pully is being ground up. There is a tinny grinding noise coming from that pully and there are some small metal shavings near it. Its not the belt. Thanks for your response.

 

OK< now I understand. I believe that is actually a problem with the clutch assembly on the AC compressor.
I have had this happen on cars where the A/C quit working long ago and I had no interest in fixing it. To get the noise to sort of stop, you can shoot WD-40 NOT on the pulley, but between the pulley and the compressor body when the engine is off.

RockAuto does sell a service kit for the clutch. I honestly have no idea what's involved in doing that work and if it's worth the work to do the service. You can buy a replacement compressor and swap that (system needs evacuated assuming it didn't have a leak and then recharged). Or if the AC doesn't work and you have no plans to fix it, either figure out a new belt length and routing or Dorman sells an A/C compressor delete pulley.

 

Thanks for the info. that kinda what I thought but wasn't sure. I don't know much about A/CV systems. The system has had a slow leak for the past couple years and it would work well for a couple months with a recharge, except for the last time I tried a couple months ago. I'm just hoping that I don't ruin something other that the clutch assembly if I drive it the way it is.

 

I have the same problem with my '02 ss. The metal grinding noise, metal shavings. It's not constant though, just on and off for me. Not sure what to do!!

 

Not saying anyone should, but since my '94 Grand Am's A/C system was shot, eventually the compressor clutch assembly did the same thing here (grinding noise, metal shavings). The WD-40 trick resolved the noise. I drove it for years like that until I sold it with 215K mile on it. The ONE thing I watched for were signs if the compressor pulley was seizing up and it never did.

Again, not saying anyone should do this, just saying it's been done.