My AC quit yesterday on my 00. The compressor pulley has three metal arms that have come loose on the front of the pully and are striking the skid plate as it spins. I don't know if something fell off the front of the pulley or if it just gave out. Has anyone had anything like this happen at all? I just don't want to go to the dealer and get screwed into buying a whole new compressor if I don't need it. I know the problem sounds strange, but that is exactly what is wrong. Three metal arms now floping around since they now extend past the pulley and hit the skid plate. The arms are attached to the pulley in a triangle formation.

 

Sounds like the compressor clutch fell apart. You might be able to replace just the clutch so be carefull if the dealer looks at it. Check Pinnacle Nissan's web site to see if Nissan does offer the clutch as a seperate item.