AC clutch on 2001 Taurus

I have a 2001 Taurus with 24 DOHC and 105K miles. I started getting an engine noise a couple weeks ago when the engine was first started. The sound is of metal to metal contact, sometimes clinking sometimes rubbing. I noticed that it stops when the AC is turned on. My guess is that it takes a few seconds to turn on the compressor when the engine first starts and that's why it only makes noise at start up. I live in Florida so the AC is still used most of the time.

I figure it's either the clutch or the clutch pulley bearing. Has anyone else had this problem? Any helpful hints, I plan to replace the clutch this weekend.

I hate to comment my own thread, but I discovered some things this weekend. First, Ford doesn't want maintenance done without removing the engine. More importantly, The normal 30 minute job of replacing the AC clutch is an all day job. You have to drain and remove the radiator. remove several coolant pipes, fans and sensors. Then drop the compressor without unattaching the hoses and fasten it to a bracket under the car so you can hold it still to remove the bolts. A job that would cost $150 for any other car costs $1000 at the Ford dealer. With engineers like Ford has, no wonder they need a bailout.

There isn't much room to work on a Duratec. On the vulcan the A/C compressor is easily removed. Unfortionately that doesn't help you. I just wanted to let you know in case you end up doing the job yourself that I found that a new aftermarket A/C clutch is about the same price as a new aftermarket A/C compressor with the new clutch already attached.
If you end up going with the dealer this would not be the case. A motorcraft A/C compressor is more than $400, I haven't priced a motorcraft A/C clutch but it has to be much less.

Good luck,

TaurusGLenn