Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: Bonneville A/C Clutch Replacement, clutch replacement, air gap

Question
I have a 1998 Bonneville 3.8L SSE.  The A/C Clutch is making a grinding sound like metal on metal.  When I turn off the A/C, the clutch disengages as it should and the grinding sound goes away.  Turn on the A/C...the noise returns.  I had the refrigerant checked and everything was good.  I'm hoping it's just the clutch since it is cheapter to replace.  I don't have the equipment to vaccuum out refrigerant to pull the entire compressor.

1.)  Does this sound like just the clutch or is there something more that I need to consider?
2.)  Can you provide me with instructions on how to measure the air gap, pull the old clutch and install the new one?  What special tools will I need.

I would appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks,

...Ric


Answer
I RECOMMEND REPLACING THE COMPRESSOR.YOU CAN`T CHANGE THE CLUTCH ASSY.IN THE CAR. YOU NEED SPECIAL A/C PULLER AND INSTALLER TOOLS TO DO THE JOB..I WOULD NOT ATTEMPT THE JOB UNLESS YOU GOT THE TOOLS AND EQUIPTMENT..TAKE IT TO AN A/C SHOP..LET SOMEONE ELSE BUST THEIR KNUCKLES..

G