i got in a REALLY minor wreck, and i messed up the panel right above my frount drivers side tire....i got the panel replaced, but now when my AC is on it makes a sound like i'm dragging a chain on concrete....and when i turn the AC off...the sound goes away

could it be something else?

i know it did something to the AC 'cause now the vent by the drivers side door only blows at about 50% of what it used to

 

ok you know the thing that connects the A/C's power (sorry can't remmeber what its called right now) to the engine through a belt?

well from what it sounds like... it sounds like the clutch like part of that device was messed up.... when its off its not completely disengaging from the belt part of the clutch thing and the device is sort like half dragging on it and that dragging it causing a friction so its only giving half its full potential because of that friction....

i know i'm atleast half right (in a way) but don't quote me on anything completely... unless someone else can confirm it... then feel free to quote me :P