AC clutch gone HELP ME OUT

I found a $175 new reman one......just got to find the $175. Not easy with day care expenses.

[Lincolnmania]

get a used compressor......cheapest easiest route

Cool, I had the hub fall apart, so I switched it from another one I had laying around.....worked for about 30 min, then it started to rattle, only when the ac is off.....then later on something started to get hot.....may have been slipping, so I gotta check the clearance...thanks guys

[gadget73]

Is it the clutch or the bearing? Apparently the bearing is replaceable, tho I don't know how much is involved with it. You're gonna have to pull the pulley/clutch assembly off the compressor in any case but shouldn't need to remove the compressor itself for any reason. There should be threads cut into the end of the pulley. The tool threads into there to pull it.

[Datdambear]

You will need an ac clutch puller.Doorman makes an ac bypass pulley.Not that expensive.

[p71towny]

I havent done it myself yet, but I guess you just unbolt that center nut in the front of the compressor. How to keep it from spinning I don't know.

Now it is your turn to help me!

Ive helped many here now I need a hand. Usually I would replace the whole thing, but at this time of year I do not have the $200 immediately availiable to replace the whole thing. My 99 CV ac clutch is shot, it is making noise at idle with the ac off, and is worse when on, but I know the freon is good. I do not want to break the system seal to change the whole thing either. HOW BAD IS IT TO CHANGE THE CLUTCH? I remember some bad stories, but not any details. Any insight as what the major bitch is would be great, and any special tools.