aC pulley issues

I have a 2000 v6 firebird. The ac pulley has been making noise for some time but only when the ac is running; turn it off and it stops rattling. AC has still been working fine blowing cold etc until recently the rattling turned into a grinding noise and ac doesn't seem to be working very well and engine performance seems to be affected as well. I am assuming the clutch on the ac compressor pulley is toast so I haven't been using the ac but it's summer in Texas and effin hot. Does anyone know if just the pulley/clutch can be replaced without removing/discharging the compressor?

The condition of your car is unusaul. It is not a common glitch that needs to trouble shoot. What i can suggest here is bring it to the expert. Then ask an advicce for proper monitoring when its done.

Fairly certain the clutch can be changed without discharging the system.

Thanks I think so too. Advance auto parts sells the clutch so it's obviously replaceable without replacing the whole compressor anyway. I'll talk to them when I order the part hopefully they'll have a step by step for it.