Replacing air compressor

I have a lot of clanking noise coming from my 98 Sable wagon, sometimes with a burning rubber smell. A friend said it was coming from my air compressor. He said maybe the clutch assembly was not engaging and was making the serpentine belt stop and possibly burning. My question is. Can I just bypass the air compressor somehow (it is winter and I don't need air conditioning right now):) or is it something I absolutely have to replace. A local garage quoted 1200.00 - $1500.00 . Is it worth putting that much money into this car as I also am having the right direction signal problem posted in this forum as well? I read somewhere on the web it is a hard job to replace. I do have a friend with some mechanical ability, is it a job a person can do themselves.
Thanks any help would be appreciated. Have a Great Day! :)

The turn signal switch is difficult i belive the steering wheel has to come off as far as the ac you could probably disconnect the commpressor by unpluging the connector going to it

Hi Stv840,
Had a friend unplug compressor, still clunking. Thank You for your suggestion though.
Have a Great Day!:wink: