Bad compressor, bearing grinding

Was wondering if anyone who knows more about cars/malibus than I do could answer a question for me. I have a 2.4 97 malibu that was making a metalic grinding noise that was progressively getting louder. I brought it into the shop and aparantly it is due to the fact that a bearing in the compressor is going bad because it is not getting lubricated due to the fact that the compressor itself is bad. Ive known for a while that the compressor was bad, but didnt think too much of it because I had thought that the only effect that would have is that my A/C wouldnt work. Is there a way to disengage the compressor from the belt so that I do not have to replace the A/C in my car? Any input on this would be really appreciated.
Thanks

Regretfully, you have a car that you can't just eliminate the A/C compressor and use a shorter belt due to the way the belt routes. Dorman makes A/C compressor bypass pulley assemblies for many vehicles, but your car/engine combo isn't one of them. Your only option is to repair or replace your compressor.

Was wondering if anyone who knows more about cars/malibus than I do could answer a question for me. I have a 2.4 97 malibu that was making a metalic grinding noise that was progressively getting louder. I brought it into the shop and aparantly it is due to the fact that a bearing in the compressor is going bad because it is not getting lubricated due to the fact that the compressor itself is bad. Ive known for a while that the compressor was bad, but didnt think too much of it because I had thought that the only effect that would have is that my A/C wouldnt work. Is there a way to disengage the compressor from the belt so that I do not have to replace the A/C in my car? Any input on this would be really appreciated.
Thanks

You just need a new clutch bearing, any good A/C shop will do the job. If they tell you you need a new clutch try another shop, the bearing is replaceable.

you could try taking the compressor off and tying the belt in a knot to make it shorter