Chrysler Repair: A/C Compressor bearing r&r: D-I-Y?, sebring coupe, cost efficiency

Question
I just acquired a 96 Sebring with the a/c out.  Upon looking they took off the belt to the compressor and it looks like the bearing is out.  Is it possible to just replace the bearing or must you replace the whole unit.  I am looking for cost efficiency due to this being my run around car.  And $50 for a bearing versus $250 for compressor plus shop rates would be quite a bit more.  I appreaciate your help with what would be my best alternative.

Answer
Hi Josh,
I have the '95 Sebring coupe shop manual and it does show the 'blow up' of the compressor and procedure for bearing replacement. It does require several special tools (Miller Mfg.) that you would want to check for price or possible rental. Let me know and I can xerox and mail you these pages. Keep in mind the other possibility of having an AC mechanic do the bearing replacement instead of a new compressor. The AC shop will probably need to be involved to remove, store, and replace the refrigerant so it might turn out that the savings of trying this yourself will not be as much as the you think (which is the labor to r&r the bearing only). Why not call an independent AC shop and inquire? I have been reluctant to get into refrigeration do-it yourselfing if the gas side is what needs servicing.
Roland