Looks like the Clutch, Bearing, Coil on my compressor may need to be replaced. However, I would be tempted to try the Clutch adjustment. It Just started making a metal on metal noise, and if you give the engine enough RPMs there is a clattering or marble in a coffee can sound. But it isnt making the noises continually. AC no longer works, but always worked good in the past. Mechanic I took it too wanted to do compressor and dryer as well, but I just had him check some codes for me and I brought her home. Car has 130K. In my area I can get a salvaged compressor complete for $35-75. I couldn't find a thread regarding dissassembly of clutch/coil while it is in vehicle?, but it seems that it can be done? Don't see a lot of metal shavings and can't detect a lot of play in the pulley. Oreilly will rent me the puller for the AC pulley-so I guess I'll give her a try if I can access the compressor in the car good enough. Any advice would be appreciated.

Jeff

I did a write up on adjusting the clutch. https://www.gmforum.com/mechanical-134/adjust-ac-clutch-plate-278951/ Might be a bit tight doing it in the car. However you may be able to remove the 3 bolts holding the compressor in place and move it back a bit. Don't remove the hoses or your going to get a big surprise.

Well,

This project got put on the back burner for a while. Here are some pics of the clutch/pulley, coil. There was plenty of clearance to remove/adjust clutch after pulling wheel and dust shield. I didn't have to unbolt compressor. I picked up a copy of "automotive heating & air conditioning" by Thomas Birch and it has some pretty good repair/troubleshooting info for many makes and models. Looks like the clutch was contaminated and or the coil was malfunctioning. I tested the condition of the compressor by spinning the hub & shaft and it has some drag and is not very smooth. Although the pulley bearing felt pretty smooth (& I tried to regrease it) after reassembly it still sounds like its ready to come apart-so I have to get a new pulley on there or change out bearing (cheapest way)-but its staked/pressed in. I think I'm just gonna go the AC pulley delete route. The shop down the street will cut me a deal on evacuating the old R134 so I can remove the compressor. Its gonna take some cash to put the AC right again. I think the recommended procedure at this point would be to also flush system, replace the accumulator, orifice tube, install filter?

I have a good AC compressor sitting on the shelf. $50 shipped within the US

That sounds pretty good dan. Any idea of mileage of donor vehicle? Got any pics of that compressor?

Thanks,

Geoff

The engine had 194k on it, not sure about the compressor, but it did work. I can also make sure the clutch is adjusted before it'* shipped out. I have no pictures of it right now, but might be able to soon.

I removed my A/C compressor summer of last year because it sounded as if it was about to fly off under my hood... So, I just put a bypass pulley on to get me through the winter..but, it'* now summer again...I am purchasing a new compressor to put on in its place, but when I removed the old one, I did not see any of these: Orifice tube, dryer, etc. can anybody tellme exactly what I need to clean/ replace when I get the new one?

The receiver dryer is a alunimum can looking device located near firewall and right shock tower. It will have 2 large A/C lines running to it. Replace this part at the very last and keep the caps or plugs on it untill your ready to install. Reason being that inside is a bag of crystals that absorb moisture in the system so you do not want the dryer open to air.
The orfice tube is located in the A?C line just in front of the battery and rad. One on the lines will have dimples or groves in it just before the nut connecting it to the condensor. The orfice tube is inside the line and with needle nose plieres you should be able to pull the tube out of the line.removing oposite end of line and any hold down clamps or clips will make this job easier.

This company sells A/C kits that include comp, drier, orfice tube ,O rings and oil $110.00 plus free shipping in the U.*.
I had to pay $35.00 for shipping to Canada.
This is the ad for my 97 Bonneville kit on e-bay.Auction # 190519609793 but check out your year and model for other kits and prices.

Thanks a lot..the job makes a lot more sense now! I will check into those listing for those kits too!