a/c grinding-can i drive it w/o charge??

[gijmcd]

the A/C clutch is grinding steel.
Is Rebuilding The Clutch An Option?
Can i drive to get new compressor and parts?

Also, can i run the new compressor without charging system for a while or do i have to charge it prior to running it at all??

[dwalmop]

Actually, the compressor Won't run unless there is pressure in the system.

[fopu]

Why do you want to run the compressor if there's no refrigerant in the system? A/C is an option. Drive the car like it never had A/C, unless you have a really serious problem (like a stuck clutch) in which case you have to fix it before you drive.

[dwalmop]

actually, let me re-phrase that. The clutch won't engage to make the compressor run w/o sufficient pressure in a/c system

[jsgold]

From what you describe is the unit is rubbing metal to metal all the time, not just when engaged via a/c or defrost? Sounds like shot bearings if that is the case. you should be able to get to parts store OK, just going to be noisy as H.... If your a/c system is OK otherwise and you aer going to keep your car for a while i would invest in a compressor, don't know that even trying to repairthe old one worth it, although someone more familiar may disagree. My old 89 Buick's went out last year, and since the a/c didn't work anyway I opted to buy an old compressor out of a junkyard and did fine. other option would have to found a shorter belt and left off. Since I was getting rid of the car in a few months anyway it made no sense to sink a ton pf money in.

If it is just doing this when a/c or defrost on, sure, just leave off and you should be able to drive most anywhere...

[gijmcd]

Thanks for the replies.
The compressor doesn’t seem to be kicking on at all. The grinding is light but constant. I unplugged the comp. and its still light grinding to the point that you can see a little grinding dust under comp.. I pulled slack in the belt and checked the bearing, seemed it has a little thrust movement but really didn’t feel bad.
I think it sounds more like the clutch than a bearing. I’ll try a little WD40, see what happens. I’m driving it now and it’s not getting worse.
Hopefully i can make it till spring.

[logankelly]

do not wait till spring if bearing locks up your belt goes and then you will sit and ask yourself gee why didnt I fix it when I had a chance

[gijmcd]

good point, thanks