A/C Compressor noise (metallic rattle)?

Good morning all,
My 1998 Oldsmobile 88 LS has started making some odd noise from the A/C Compressor. I recharged the unit about a month ago and a couple weeks later I noticed that when the A/C was off there was a sound as though the Metal clutch plate was maybee making some kind of contact. Sometimes it sounds loud like a can of small bolts being shaken. I would think that the Compressor was toast but as soon as I turn the A/C to on, Everything sounds great.

Anyone have an Idea what the problem may be? I would hope to just clean the clutch plate thingy. I sprayed some PB Catalyst and later WD40 and it seemed to make a difference.

Help? If I need to replace the compressor I hate to do it in the winter. I just dont know if this noise equals impending failure. I dont think I can use a temporary bypass belt for this engine layout

yes you can get a belt 4 that just get belt and tell them you don't no air.

This sounds like classic v-5 clutch drag- the air gap has tightened and needs to be adjusted back to .020" . I have answered this several times- and usually see about 1 a week during the hot season. The noise is a scrapping/rattle only with a/c off- should see signs of metal shavings about the clutch hub. The fix is to borrow the installer/removal tool from autozone and back off the air gap a tad. This can be done on car, without removing compressor or refrigerant, and can even be done without removing the shaft nut since the nut does not bottom on the clutch drive. Pull back the plastic cover in wheel well to access

My confidence in this Forum has just been fully restored. Thank you soooo much. I nearly replaced the compressor. I will try this and see if my problem is solved.

to me sounds like clutch is bad on so i guess your going to have to buy a new pump and be done with it..good luck..