how does compressor fail?

[Touchdown038]

All right, I'm a little confused with this. When an A/C compressor fails, does the compressor clutch lock up, halting the pulley and wreaking havoc with the belts? Or does the clutch just let go and let the pulley spin freely?

[NISTECH]

if the A/C or defroster is on it wil lock up the clutch and wreaking havoc. If the A/C or defroster is not on it will allow the pully to spin freely. If the clutch fails it will also let the pulley spin freely unless the clutch completely comes apart.