Hey guys - after doing a little bit of research, I think I need a new A/C compressor clutch for my '99 LS. The good news is that the part can be hand separate from the compressor.

Here's what it's doing - whenever the A/C is engaged, there is a pretty loud squeal coming from under the hood - especially when the engine is cold (just started). It's not loud enough to notice while driving, but when I warm up my car in the winter on my driveway and have the defrost going, it's somewhat embarrassing.

I'm pretty sure the compressor itself and all other aspects of the A/C system is ok. I've had this car for 2-1/2 years and it's been doing it ever since.. but the A/C continues to perform great - it has no problem cooling off the car in the hot Chicago summer.

So if it still sounds like I need a compressor clutch - does anyone have any tips on how to swap it out? Do I need to pull the compressor from under the hood and work on it on a bench? Or can this be done while the compressor is in the car? Basically - is this something someone can do themselves assuming they have pretty decent mechanical skills? Would the job require any special tools like a pulley puller or something?

BTW - I checked the sticky link above with the service manuals - couldn't find anything regarding heating/cooling systems.

Thanks in advance.....