'03 AC periodically locks up - smokes belt

[Swerfvalk]

I have a '03 SR5 with a ac problem that I cannot find any info on anywhere else.

The ac will work great for a while, then the air will slowly get warmer right before the ac pulley locks up and smokes the belt for a second or two. You can hear and see the belt smoke itself on the pulley. It seems to happen more often when it's really hot outside, as opposed to days when it's only in the 70's. Only happens when the ac is on (seems obvious but I thought I'd mention that).

I don't get it, it works great.....then locks up. Any ideas before I start throwing money at this problem?

Thanks in advance...

 

[greasefingers]

That sounds like a bad compressor bearing which is usually caused by low R132a.
I would not run the AC until you figure it out. Otherwise the compressor can seize for good and then the belt will burn up and then no power steering, among other things.

 

[Swerfvalk]

That sounds like a bad compressor bearing which is usually caused by low R132a.
I would not run the AC until you figure it out. Otherwise the compressor can seize for good and then the belt will burn up and then no power steering, among other things.

So, after I find the leak (or have it found).....Is it possible to replace the compressor bearing without replacing the compressor?