1982 245. Air conditioning just re-gassed and blowing very cold. In the
last week I have noticed vibration at highway speed (felt like wheels
unbalenced), but not really around town. Just checked under the bonnet
(hood???) and I notice that when the thermostat engages the compressor
there is a grinding noise from the compressor. Once the A/C gets the
cabin to the required temp, the clutch at the front of the compressor
stops spinning and the grinding noise stops. When the A/C is not
engaged there is no grinding noise at all, although there is some belt
squeal, which could be poor belt alignment due to hardenend bushes.

The compressor was replaced about 5 years ago by P/O but the invoice
shows that the clutch was not replaced at the same time as it was "ok".

Questions: Would a faulty compressor clutch cause a vibration as speed
that could be felt in the cabin?. Is replacing the compressor clutch a
difficult job? If I do not attend to this urgently is it likely that
the clutch could seize causing loss of power steering.

Thanks to all and cheers from a hot Sydney, Aus.