AC Compressor

Looking for some help. Two years ago, I got my truck stuck in some deep mud and it caused my serpentine belt to get chewed up. The alternator came back to life after a good cleaning but the bearing on my AC compressor has since seized up.

Is this something that can be rebuilt or do we always just replace this with an OEM unit?

 

Usually just replace. Not sure if this is allowed to say here, but I have one with 24k miles on it if you want to buy a "used" one

 

Is the AC compressor itself locked up or is it the bearing on the clutch that allows it to freewheel?

If just the clutch bearing you should be able to change the clutch without discharging the system.

 

Hmm, well no it’s not locked up but it’s been chirping/squealing for maybe a couple months. I never really noticed it to be honest my mechanic pointed it out to me. It sounds like if it completely fails it may lead to a roadside breakdown.

 

It would be much more common for the clutch bearing to go vs the pump bearing.

If the noise is heard with the AC off it would be the clutch bearing, keep in mind when the AC is on the compressor will cycle so the noise would cycle also.

Yes, if it locks up the belt will smoke and break in seconds and you will need a tow so best to get this attended to.