alternator problem?

I recently had an awful noise coming from under the hood of my 1998. It sounded like the A/C clutch was having trouble engaging. The air coming out of the vents wasn't nearly cold enough. So, I checked the refrigerant charge and saw that I needed more freon. I added a full can. The air is now cold, but the clutch is still making the same noise. Not as bad, but it is still there. I know the clutch and the freon level are totally separate problems.

Now, however, I get a "Check Charge System" warning on the dash. The car is just barely putting out 12 volts. And that drops to 11.8 or so when I turn on the lights, A/C, etc. I replaced the serpentine belt and have cleaned all the contacts to the battery and car body grounds and still no better.

I am taking the car to AutoZone to have it's battery and alternator tested today. My question is, if they both test fine, if the A/C clutch is going (or went) out, could this have caused extra resistance for the belt and some slipping to occur? Thus not allowing the alternator to work properly? And/Or could the alternator bearing have went bad? I am at a loss and, like everyone else, looking for a cheap fix. Thanks.

It sounds like your alternator bearing is going bad. My just started doing the same thing, AGAIN...second alternator in 10 months. I took mine to a local garage and it cost me 367.00 with labor. It ssemed like a good deal at the time, but not if a good rebuilt one last under a year. Mine was rebuilt locally by a well-thought-of alternator rebuild shop. Go figure.