Rattling noise when A/C is on in idle

[ceddi3]

Recently, I noticed that when I start my 2005 stratus and trun the A/C on a rattling noise starts up. This only continues when I am in idle. When I begin to drive the noise stops. It doesn't start up again until I put the car in park with the A/C on. The mechanic told me that the compressor bearing is bad. Is this a proper assessment? If so what needs to be done to fix the problem. I sure hope I don't have to get a new compressor.

[AZeline]

Does the idle go pretty low when you turn on the AC? It might be something as simple as a loose part. A low idle tends to shake the engine a bit more and that may be causing the "suspect" loose part. I hope it's not the compressor, they run about $300-$400. If it's the compressor clutch bearing, they cost around $30 to $40 for the part. The labor... well that a whole other ball of wax. I tend to try the simple things first when troubleshooting. More times then not, that's the issue. However something like a compressor, you want to be sure before ripping it out of the car.