Jeep Cherokee Forum - 99 WJ 4.7 Grand Cherokee A/C Bearing

Searched the site for advice on this....seems others had different issues.

My A/C works!!! But the bearing is making some irregular sounds. Sounds like a bad bearing. I have already replaced the tensioner pulley not too long ago when I replaced the Water Pump, fan and serpentine belt. Definatley the A/C Bearing.

My question....can the bearing and pulley be dismantled without having to exhaust the A/C System? Through the grapevine I hear that the A/C Pulley needs to be gapped to a certain "gap" as well....is this true?
Since I will have the unit apart, what else should I replace while I have it apart? Clutch O-ring/snap ring seal kit?
My fear right now is that it will lock up, toss the belt and strand me somewhere....and cause damage to my AC compressor.

Any help is much appreciated.