Nissan Repair: Noise, nissan altima, drive belts

Question
I have a 1997 Nissan Altima when I turn the AC on the car makes a very loude squishing noise. Can anybody help.

Answer
Robert,

Wear safety glasses for this test!  Open the hood and then have someone start the car while you watch the engine drive belts.  Specifically, you are looking at the airconditioning compressor.  Make sure to have the airconditioner off at first.  Note that hte compressor pulley rotates.  Now, have the air turned on and watch what happens.  I bet the clutch is chattering on the end of the compressor.  If this is so then the compressor should be replaced.  What the clutch sticking or chattering upon engagement means that the compressor itself is going out.  Email me back and let me know what you find.