A/C Compressor Clutch noise

[stang99gtv8]

97 Expy 5.0 AWD, 215k miles.

Started hearing a loud rattle sound coming from engine bay. Opening the hood I found the compressors clutch moving all around and rattling. Also had the odor of what smelled like burnt breaks/belt when I first heard the sound. Pretty sure this means the clutch is bad, but I'm wondering what else might be bad? Before i discovered what the rattle was, and still at the moment, the AC will function if the car is revved up enough, such as driving without OD on on the highway. Once it goes to idle though, the air stops coming out and it gets hot, cold again once you get going.

I'm hoping this means the clutch is shot but the compressor still works and I can just change out the clutch. Should I be worried that the compressor has started throwing metal and debris into the system and need the whole thing flushed and replaced, or just do the clutch and see where I stand? Don't want to cause severe damage if chances are good that I haven't yet already.

 

[tweakedlogic]

A new a/c clutch will run about $90. You ahve to be careful replacing it as the gap needs to be correct or it won't work. I can't remember the ford compressor exactly, it might need a puller to get the clutch off. Autozone will loan you one if so.