It's that time of year and I have started to use the AC. I have noticed that when it is on the motor has periods of idleing roughly (loping) and when I am driving it does this as well. I noticed it getting onto the highway the other day. I had a feeling of a serious drop in power. The car continued but I had nothing in the peddle, as if I had floored it and nothing happened. Now I notice it all the time. It goes away if I shut off the AC so I am pretty sure it is just the AC. It also makes a loud noise when running if I get out near the right wheel well. The electric fans also make a lot of winding noise too.
Clearly I need to check the AC as it seems to me the clutch or bearings are going out. How do I do this beyond just turning the pulley by hand?