Bearings went out on my A/C clutch. My question is, do I have to take the compressor all the way out to change it? Or can I leave it hooked up, remove the belt, replace the clutch and be done with it?

 

If you have the right tools, you may be able to pull the clutch without disconnecting the compressor from the system, though you will probably need to un-mount the compressor from its supports. It's pretty tight in there. Work carefully, you don't want to send a wrench through the radiator.

Spend 25 bucks for a shop manual like a Haynes if you're going to tackle a job like that.

 

Do I have to get all of the Freon out first, or can I leave the system closed up. And, it seems as though no one sells just the A/C clutch. Everyone wants you to buy the whole compressor unit. Or does it make since to replace the whole unit?? Just replaced all of that about 2 years ago.

 

If you can pull the clutch and replace it, then there's no need to open the system, but if you can't find a replacement clutch, then it's a moot point.