99cherokeesport29

Hello, first off I am new here and apologize if I am posting my question in the wrong forum. I have a Jeep Cherokee Sport 1999 and for a few days it has been making a loud noise, we found out that it is the bearing. I have researched on the web and I can order the bearing at autozone for $21. However, I have also read on a few sites that it is not worth it to change the bearing because the air compressor will just go out shortly after. Has anyone changed the bearing on their ac compressor before? Is it an easy fix if you have the right tools? or would you recommend just buying a new compressor? They are around $200 at Autozone.