A/C Compressor bearing

Here it goes, 91 chevy Silver w/ 4.3 w.164K. The A/C compressor is starting to get quite noisy, with the A/C off(Def too). Engaged not too bad. How do I change the bearing out? Do I have to replace the whole compressor?

Ok, I know its winter, or damn close, but this thing is still bugging the hell out of me. Its my dailly driver, so i don't want to be broke down some where in BFE. Any help is welcomed.

I had the same thing happen on my 89, and it's just starting to happen on my 93. My dad replaced the bearing for me last time, I know he didn't loose the coolant so he didn't have to remove the compressor, I think he just pulled the pulley off and there's a bolt coming from the back that holds the bearing assembly in, but I'll check with him and get back to you.

You have to remove the clutch assembly (special tool) and then you can get at the bearing.

To reinstall the clutch assembly you need another special tool (some tool makers sell both together, others do not). The clutch is pressed on.

Then you need to use yet another special tool to get the pulley off to replace the bearing.

//2000CAYukon

You have to remove the clutch assembly (special tool) and then you can get at the bearing.

To reinstall the clutch assembly you need another special tool (some tool makers sell both together, others do not). The clutch is pressed on.

Then you need to use yet another special tool to get the pulley off to replace the bearing.

//2000CAYukon
the compressor in my 97 silverado makes a high pitch metal on metal sound only when the ac / defrost is off. is it the clutch bearing or just the clutch? so you need to use a puller to get it off then a press to get it back on???

Here it goes, 91 chevy Silver w/ 4.3 w.164K. The A/C compressor is starting to get quite noisy, with the A/C off(Def too). Engaged not too bad. How do I change the bearing out? Do I have to replace the whole compressor?
Are you sure it is the bearing or the clutch?

the clutch seems to be working so I think its the bearing. only makes the sound when the AC is off.

the compressor in my 97 silverado makes a high pitch metal on metal sound only when the ac / defrost is off. is it the clutch bearing or just the clutch? so you need to use a puller to get it off then a press to get it back on???
It could just be your clutch, squirt a little WD-40 in it while it is running in from the front if it stops clanking or clunking for a while it probably is your clutch.