AC makes odd noise...

[vicQ45]

When i turn my AC on i can hear it making a loud sort of clacking(clack-clack-clack-clack.....) noise. this car is on its second AC compressor so i doubt that is the problem. does anyone know what could be causing this noise?

[DAEDALUS]

Maybe it's the idler pulley? From whereabouts is the noise coming from? Is the compressor factory or generic?

[vicQ45]

sounds like the front right side.. it should be OEM as it was installed at the dealer. this was all before i owned the car however. it only makes the noise when the AC is on and goes back to quiet when it is off.

[DAEDALUS]

If it's the front of the engine then it's either the compressor or a pulley bearing. The logic with the bearing is that it's under more load when the compressor's engaged. Still, I'd sooner guess the compressor. Can't think of anything else it could be.

[Jesda]

Do records indicate that the receiver-drier was replaced and the entire system was flushed?

[vicQ45]

i also notice a very minor squealing from the same area when teh AC is disengaged. possible from the idler pully?

[si]

I'm getting the same noise when i have my AC running too. Is the only fix replacing the compressor?