have whine coming from a/c compressor ..some metal shavings under it.... but when I put on any of the three a/c settings the noise go'* away...know its only a matter of time but wondering why it stops making noise when its working rather than just spinning.....too expensive to fix right now probably go with the pulley that goes in place just for the belt.... any idea how long I have ..thanks

The clutch is going. That'* why it makes noise when it'* off. I have a write up on installing a bypass pulley in the how to area.

or you could have your A/C clutch adjusted.
Had several of my Bonneville'* adjusted and they all lasted a long time.
cost about $35

But not every mechanic knows that they can be adjusted, they usually just want to replace them because the shop will make more money that way.

is there a posting here that explains how to adjust the clutch

I don't know of a write up on doing that. I do plan to do a write up seeing I have the parts and can do it on the bench. But living in the great northern tundra, it'* a bit cold here. So that will have to wait until spring.

I have one somewhere in my email bank...I'll do some digging.

found it...
two page read but follow the links. they will show you how

https://www.gmforum.com/t269702/

thank you .....off to auto zone tomorrow ...see if they have tool maybe I'll get lucky and have an easy fix instead of $500 I don't have...... thanks again

np

when it'* fixed edit your tittle and display "fixed" in the tittle so other members can benefit from your progress.

Todd.

My a/c compressor made the high pitch noice for about 1 1/2 years until I got tired of it and by passed the compressior.