So I know that it could be the belt, but I'm aiming towards the pulley bearing.. The a/c is working but it's doesn't feel that cold coming out of the vents... I'm going to get it recharged but I want to fix the screaming pulley issue.. If it is the pulley bearing can I get the new bearing from autozone? They show it as a replacement part, but is it pressed in? How hard of a job would this be... It's getting hot here in KY and I need some a/c... Thanks in advance..

Yes, usually there is a snap ring to remove and then you can just knock the old bearing out with a hammer and then use the old bearing or a big socket to hammer the new one in.

So how do I figure out what compressor I have??? There are 6 different bearings for different compressors... Is it stamped on the compressor??? Looking to knock this out this afternoon if I can figure out which one it is.... Thanks for the quick response ErikB...

Let us know what you find out. I'm having the same problem. Good luck

If you have a bearing shop in your area they can put a micrometer on it and give you a replacement. A good auto parts place, say one that has a machine shop or a good crew of parts guys can do the same. There may still be a legible number stamped on the old bearing they can cross reference.

You're not going to be replacing the bearing in the compressor, its the one in the idler pulley, and that shouldn't have anything to do with which compressor you have. As was mentioned, bearings are sold by size and the parts store will probably just measure it and find you one that matches.

If you have a bad bearing in the compressor, you mostly likely will have to replace the compressor, which also involves evacuating and recharging the system, etc. $$$

Another possibility for noise is that the compressor clutch is rubbing instead of fully disengaging.

Compressor noise should disappear when the A/C is off (and whenever the compressor is not running as it cycles on and off).
Idler pulley spins all the time, so should make noise pretty much all the time if its bad.

Clutch noise could be either one. If its not disengaging fully, it would make noise when disengaged. If its slipping when it shouldn't, then it would make noise when it was supposed to be engaged.

And then there is the obvious that you already mentioned- slipping belt, which would only occur when the compressor was running also.

My AC clutch just went bad.
Had the same symptoms as yours.
You can buy the clutch bearing from a parts house.
They should have a listing.
First you need to make sure that your clutch is still working and that the AC fuse under the hood is not blown.
The clucth will cost about $150.
I have found a remanufactured compressor for $190.
To take you cluch off you will need to remove the 10mm bolt from the front of the clutch and remove the front clutch plate. There will be a snap ring at the front and then one holding the back part of the clutch to the compressor.
Two snap rings total.