95 jeep cherokee sport, A/C grating/grinding

[sedmunds]

in-line 6, 4 litre. 155k, automatic w/ 4wd
There is a grinding/grating noise which I think comes from the A/C clutch (or something on the compressor). I just put a new belt on, and now the noise happens every 10 seconds or so - used to happen every 20-30 minutes, seemingly random. It never makes the noise if my A/C is on.

what do you think the problem is? Anything I can do besides replacing a 200 dollar component?

-thanks

[idol]

Sounds to me like you need a replacement compressor. Sounds like the clutch is getting ready to go.........IDOL