Oldsmobile/Buick: AC pulley, 3800 series ii, ac compressor

Question
In my '97 Olds Delta Eighty-Eight with the 3800 series II engine, the AC pulley makes loud noise when the AC is not on.  When the air conditioning is turned on, the clutch engages, and the noise stops.  It sounds like metal on metal friction.  My sister has an identical car with the identical problem, which assures this to be a design flaw.  What should be done?

Answer
Mike ,

Its hard for me to say off the top of my head what I personally think the problem is . Honestly it can be any number of things .

I would take the car down to a certified ASE mechanic and get a hands on opinion .

1. Is the belt loose or tight ?

2. Does the AC compressor still work ?

Post me a followup. Don't forget to rate my response to you .

Cheers,

Ed McKenna