Anyone else have this problem? It comes and goes - but only when the AC is off. Its a metal on metal sound - like the clutch doesn't fully disengage. As soon as I turn on the AC - it goes away.

 

It's the compressor clutch bearing. When the clutch is engaged the bearing stops spinning and the noise stops.

 

Replaceable? Or am I looking at a new compressor?

 

On my 94 the dealer replaced the bearing. I don't know if a 2000 is any different. I would check with a shop that does A/C work or the dealer.

 

I fix 3-5 of these similiar noises a week in the summer. The a/c clutch drive plate breaks one of the fingers or gets weak and rubs on the hub causing a noise. If you got a good parts guy they can normally find just the drive plate. I use only ac delco parts for these becuase no one else is willing to look hard enough and sau just put a compressor on it. It does take a special tool to change them but you can ebay the tool for minimal expense. 90% of them only need the plate and not he hub. Look at the drive plate and see if it is touching or if there is a gap about a lottery ticket thickness

 

Wow - good info. Does it involve discharging the system / removing the compressor, or can it be done on the car?

 

just hhad the same problem i replaced my ac compressor and its all better the bearings in the clutch are gone if u look closely you might see ac puilly walking back and fourth

 

If all you are doing is servicing the clutch and/or hub, you do NOT need to discharge the system. The only special tools you will need are a set of snap ring pliers and feeler gauges.