Also check the water pump, alternator and tensioner pulleys.
could be a bad bearing on the air conditioner clutch assembly.
No, oil will ruin the clutch. Noise that sound like you need oil means a bearing or the compressor has failed.
Is it serious if my car idler is making a noise?
It could mean the beginning of the end for your belt or the idler pulley, have them both checked out.
The clutch is working fine. The problem could be as simple as a loose belt.
Loud noise is not a good description. If its a loud squeal turn the air conditioner or defroster off. If the squeals goes away the compressor or the clutch for the air conditioner compressor is locked up.
Could be the clutch is gone. If that is the problem, you can have just the clutch changed, but don't wait too long. If it is the bearing, then have to change the compressor. When it is running, you will see the clutch wobble. The clutch can be changed with the compressor on the car. There is room.
If the noise sounds like a power steering whine it could be caused by the A/C compressor clutch bearing or the belt idler pulley.
It could be the clutch fan that is going bad. I had the same issue & the expense of the part and manpower can be $400 to $700.
No. If you think you are hearing noise from a fan clutch have it checked. My guess the noise you are hearing is comming from the water pump. Either way this needs checked out. Sugestion; take the serpitine belt off ( fan belt ). See if the fan clutch has a bit too much movement. If so it could be going bad & need replaced. Most times a water pump will leak before it makes noise, due to the seal being tore up by the shaft. Check them both.
No answer for you - just want to state that our 2002 Caravan recently (7/09) starting making a load clicking noise when it is turned on. Belt looks good. I'm guessing its the compressor or clutch.
check the clutch on the compresor also the tensioner might be going bad as the engine speeds up the belt tebsion changes eliminating the noise but i would think it is the bearings in the tentioner