The a/c compressor in my wife'* Bonneville is starting to make a loud racket, especially when idling. Sounds like a bearing about to go out. Can this be repaired or does the compressor need replacing? The a/c cools fine so I hate to break the system if it can be repaired without it. Thanks

Does it sound like a school bell or a ringing.It may be the clutch .My clutch went and I just got a refurbished.

That'* pretty common. Sounds like the clutch is probably going out. Time to replace that a/c compressor. I got a used one with only 9k miles for $75 and installed for about $50 or $60 (without recharge). I did my own recharge.

It'* a loud rattling sound. It only makes it when the compressor is engaged. Can the clutch be replaced without breaking the system or should I replace the whole compressor?

The clutch can be replaced by itself. Rock Auto (don't forget to use our discount code in General Chat) has an AC Delco clutch for $44.79 (no core charge).

I'm not familiar with your year enough to help you with a replacement procedure. Someone else will chime in shortly.

It would be up to you replace compressor or change clutch but a year ago I was going to try just changing the clutch and it seemed different than older yrs, plus you would probably have to take it out of the car to replace clutch anyways.I bought a scrap yard compressor for $100.