A/C compressor making noise

[grapeape293]

My 96 chevy s-10 with the 4.3 liter has a growling noise coming from compressor. But seems make less noise when ingaged. So I was wondering if the clutch or maybe a bearing could be replaced instead of the whole compressor. Any tips would be helpful.

[snoman]

My 96 chevy s-10  with the 4.3 liter has a growling noise coming from compressor. But seems make less noise when ingaged. So I was wondering if the clutch or maybe a bearing could be replaced instead of the whole compressor. Any tips would be helpful.

 

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If it is noisy when not engaged then it is the external hub bearing which can be replaced without discharging system but you will need a specail clutch pulling tool to get to it.