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Hi. I have a 2003 Ford Taurus that has a problem with the AC Clutch. There was a pretty nasty noise coming from my AC compressor, even when I wasn't using the AC. I took it in and the mechanic seemed to think the only way to go was to replace the whole AC compressor.

I'm not very auto-mechanically inclined, and so am not sure if there's a way around this - Is it possible to just replace the AC clutch and save the expense of a whole new compressor? And if I do have to go the route of replacing the whole compressor - would I be taking too big of a gamble by buying the AC compressor from a used parts place and just paying the mechanic for the installation? (this was an idea he suggested, and is tempting since finances are a priority at the moment...)
Thanks for the advice.  

you have several options...  i am taking the clutch pulley bearing has gone bad...  or the clutch its self has failed and is dragging...

the least expensive way out is to remove the compressor all together...  having it properly evacuated to prevent the freon from venting into the atmosphere..

installing instead of the compressor.. a 40 buck compressor bypass pulley that looks like this..




next...  you could find a shop that would install just the AC clutch and pulley assembly...



the part in the middle is the pulley.. it rides on the the compressor hub.. so the belt spins this pulley..

the part on the left is the clutch.. it is attached to the compressor shaft...   the part on the right is the clutch electromagnet..  when it turns on..   it pulls the clutch disc on the left against the spinning pulley to turn the compressor...

the problem is.. when the pulley bearing fails.. it can exert wobbling forces on the clutch shaft ruining the compressor parts and the ceramic seal that keeps the freon in..  

so a professional AC shop is going to look at how bad the bearing has failed...

it is usually the best option .. to replace the entire compressor... if you intend on using your AC and keeping the car for at least a few more years..

with the over the counter price of some ac compressors under 250 bucks at some stores.. much more at others..... but shops generally mark that up as they have to pay for their shop and ac techs are usually .. but not always well payed.. so the cost is more..   compressor prices vary wildly.. depending on brand and application..

if you go for the bypass pulley option..  please.. have the system evacuated.. and have the shop rig some sort of plug or cap for the end of the hoses to seal the system from dirt and moisture.. so if you can easily restore the system at a later time..

i personally have installed used compressors... but that was just to restore the belt path..  and that was before the bypass pulleys were available..