A/C clutch noise? Or Compressor bad? Video included

My A/C started making noise and not working all the time.
There's a noise when the A/C is OFF and a somewhat similar noise when it's running. There is cold air when it's working. I took pressure readings and it fluctuates between about 15-45 on the low side when cycling off/on and I think around 100-150 on the high side.

I cut the A/C belt and the noise stopped, so I'm sure it's coming from there somewhere.

Here are some videos. Hopefully the noise it's making comes through. You can see on a couple videos where I turn the compressor by hand when the car is off and there's some 'catches' to it - but I'm not sure if that's normal action of the compressor or not.

There are 200k miles on the car, so I'm not really wanting to stick a lot of money into it. I saw a thread on a Mazda 3 forum where a guy was able to replace just a bearing in the clutch. I'm wondering if that's all mine may need?

I'm going on a trip in 2 days. I'm thinking I'll just put a new A/C belt on and run it til the clutch dies - unless I risk further damage.


[video]https://www.dropbox.com/s/pkoe3fbmd1scxll/VID_20150527_170422_823.mp4?dl=0[/video]

[video]https://www.dropbox.com/s/gtx7u58m7x8zo5a/VID_20150527_163540_984.mp4?dl=0[/video]

[video]https://www.dropbox.com/s/mey1q0ubfeljfg7/VID_20150527_163508_836.mp4?dl=0[/video]

Well the pulley/bearing assy is definitely toast, it seemed like you had a little too much resistance in turning the compressor itself too. The pulley can be replaced without removing the compressor, so I would start there if you can find a reasonable price on one. Just make sure your clutch gap is correct after replacement. Those pressures look a little low to me but it may be due to the failed bearing.

I found a bearing at AutoZone: LINK

I'm going on a trip and don't have time to replace it. Hopefully it'll last until I can get to it....and won't do any other damage if it goes out. I did put a new belt back on. Maybe I should just leave the belt off?

Or, maybe I should get https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)instead. It includes all the clutch parts.

You may be able to get away with first one but if it were me I'd get the second. I'd probably leave the belt off until I had an opportunity to replace it as well. I wouldn't want to risk damage to a $400 compressor.

Thanks. I'm going to rent a car for the trip and fix the 5 when I get back.
Better safe than sorry.