a/c noise

greetings,
I have noticed that after my a/c is disengauged. I hear a sound whats sounds to me like a metal on metal sound, but very lightly. I also notice my Compressor seems to be running alot hotter. My High pressure becomes soo hot to touch it burns skin.. Last year it ran fine, not a noise what so ever, I remember touching the high pressure hose on top near the red cap. It wasn't all too hot.
Could it be time for a new compressor? or would I need to re-gap the compressor. I looked online at the procedure but every make seems to do it differently. Any reason what I could possibly do to make it run more quieter & less hotter.

P.s the cab still blows cold, but the compressor from the inside sounds to be running a bit rough this year.

Thanks

What year is your Grand am ?

Since its getting so hot on the high side, it may be building to much pressure causing, hard to say exactly why which out checking the systems pressure. Might just need a charge, though it should be tested to be certain. Also the air blowing from the vents, should be 35-40 deg colder then it is outside(ambient temps).

Oh and sorry for the late reply !

its a 99 3.4L V6
Pressure on the lowside is reading 40PSI
& usually in the mornings when its cool there is alot of drag noise noticable.

Sounds like the compressor pulley bearing is going bad. I just guessing on that one.

metal on metal sound is gap out of specs,