^^but it always spins coz its clutch type? is there anything visbile from the outside that i can check on the compressor to check function apart from the usual 'click' noise?

well it seems the a/c isn't cooling at all now.. bearings partially seized?

will have to check again. Is it worthwhile for me to remove the belt and turn it on (even though it won't be spinning) to see if my issues persist? would this prove anything to me or is not getting belt driven defeating the purpose?