AC Compressor noise and leak

[Trek5000]

my 2003 expl. ( 6 cyl ) with 20k orig. miles just went into shop after i noticed a refrigerant lead in the driveway recently.. small about the size of a quarter.. not alot.. the ac was working good.. runnng cold .. Mechanic discovers leak in condenser and replaces condenser and seals.. upon picking up the vehicle i was driving about a 1/4 mile and heard an almost clacking , slipping belt type sound that passed and then occurred one other time on the short trip home. I got home popped the hood and noticed refrigerant "spilled or covering" the top of the compressor underneth the ps fluid resevoir .. the belt and pulley were a little covered as well.

so... return to mech. he looks it over and says that it could be a check valve release since he really filled up the system after the condenser was replaced. .. he cleaned off the compressor leak and we ran the ac and didn't see any visable leak ( next oil change he will check the presure )

that was last week.... I have since .. run the vehicle as normal:
- AC works fine and is cold
- makes the clattering noice only on start of ac when engaged and not every time.
- engine idles fine no other noises or rough running.
- the compressor is showing a leak of refrigerant again. (top of compressor)

- i want to take on a 450 mile trip over memorial day wkend , any concerns.? ( if it cool out not problem right ! haha)

any ideas ?? and thanks

 

[swetrid]

New style compressors leak on these model years