Did some searches and didn't really find anything.

Problem just started today. I ran the A/C for a 25 min drive since it was raining and didn't want it to fog up.
When to the mall for a few hours came back and when the A/C is on I get a loud rattle coming from the alternator / A/C unit area.

Anyone have any ideas? A/C clutch maybe? I never expeirenced the noise of a done A/C clutch so I thought I'd ask before I pop the unit off.

Do I have to replace the whole compressor or can I just replace the clutch?

Would the belt tensioner make a rattle if it's under more load IE. from the A/C being turned on?

Thanks

2003 with 100k kms btw

 

Sounds like the compressor is going out itself. I believe you can't just replace the clutch on the compressor unfortunately. I would hook up a gauge and look for irregularities. Mine did this on one of my cars for about a month before it finally went out.

 

Actually you can replace just the clutch, and it costs about $150 online.

My a/c developed the same issue and all the research I did lead me to narrow the noise down to a faulty clutch. I checked pressure in the line and everything tested out fine... just really, really noisy.