It sounds like the AC clutch is grinding against the compressor pulley. Assuming the bearing isn't toast, can I just remove the clutch and put the bolt back on? The system doesn't work, I just need it there as a pulley and if this will work, no need to buy the delete pulley. This is for a 3800, but the compressors between this and an LS look similar enough I figured this question would apply here.

 

unplug the power supply to the a/c compressor and see what happens, see if the noise goes away. It might not be the clutch.

 

The clutch doesn't engage anyway, so the clutch just sits still and rubs against the pulley as the engine runs. Are you saying if I unplug the power, the clutch will engage and spin with the pulley? I thought it was the other way around.

 

Your right Dr Dave if you disconnect the plug from the ac your taking away the voltage so it should let the compressor free spin you would have to supply 12 volts to the clutch to engage, if your ac is not on or you disconnected the plug previously mentioned by other members and your noise is still present your bearing may be to the point of failure bad enough where it will not stop rubbing the clutch.