I experienced a chirp then constant dry bearing sound from the ac area of my 02 Hyundai Elantra. Being the optimist I replaced the idler pulley, the squeal continues reguardless of the air on or off, the air seems to cool fine. I took off the belt and the squeel stopped.
I feel a tiny lateral movement in the pulley and since the squeel is there with or without the ac on I feel the clutch bearing assembly can be replaced the hoses intact, allowing enough movement to tilt the compressor for access to the pulley bolt. A seemingly inexpensive repair.
My shop says to install a whole rebuilt compressor with clutch which would cost a lot more, since my car has 82k miles. Explaining it could go any time and be a waste of time and money. I don't often use the air that often.
I could try the bearing myself, if it is not that difficult.
Any advice? Thanks