AC compressor making clacking noise, any one else experience

[flywelder]

The Bonneville is a 2005 SE with V-6 has any one else experienced this same noise, / issue and would share their experience and tips .. please?
Here is what happened with my Bonneville:

A sudden new noise heard from under the hood of my car this past Friday!
I have determined The noise is definitely coming from the AC compressor. I can hear it when I lift the hood. The noise stops when the AC is turned off and starts when the AC switch is activated. I'm not certain if it is a bearing or one of the pistons inside? it is definitely a 'metallic clacking' sound.

Interesting is that there are moments that when the A/C is turned on, all is well, no noise and their is refrigerated air coming from the vents inside. But a mile or so down the road, the noise starts.
Also, once the noise starts, there is a tremendous load on the gas engine and the car has great difficulty getting to 35 mph.
The engine is a V6. the car is a SE model. There are Few bells and whistles.
There is 200,000+ miles on the car.
I don't think it is a low freon issue, for is there not a built in safety that keeps the A/C clutch from engaging if freon ( or 134A in my case) is low? and besides when the unit does work, there is plenty of cold air.
If you think it is low oil level in the compressor, then that would indicate a leak in the system, i then also need to locate the leak. correct? and just how do u recommend i do that? dye or electronic detector? .....ps: I don't have the electronic detector.

Could I or am I definitely , be looking at replacing the compressor?
replacing it will mean having to suck down the system, and replacing the oil, the 134; the accumulator, the orifice, A sudden new noise heard from under the hood of my car!
I have determined The noise is definitely coming from the AC compressor. I can hear it when I left the hood. The noise stops when the AC is turned off and starts when the AC switch is activated. I'm not certain if it is a bearing or one of the pistons inside?
Interesting is that there are moments that when the A/C is turned on, all is well, no noise and their is refrigerated air coming from the vents inside. But a mile or so down the road, the noise starts.
Also, once the noise starts, there is a tremendous load on the gas engine and the car has great difficulty getting to 35 mph.
The engine is a V6. the car is a SE model. There are Few bells and whistles.
There is 200,000+ miles on the car.
I don't think it is a low freon issue, for is there not a built in safety that keeps the A/C clutch from engaging if freon ( or 134A in my case) is low? and when the unit does work, there is plenty of cold air.
I don't think it is low oil in the compressor, as that would indicate a leak in the system , would it not?

Could I or am I with out a doubt, be looking at replacing the compressor?
Which then will mean having to suck down the system, correct and replacing the accumulator, the orifice, the oil, the 134A; and installing a in line filter, if I can get one, correct?.... anything else I have not thought of that will be involved?
Oh and I should flush the system to remove any old oil and sludge. correct?... but I have no means to flush the system myself.

[nos4blood70]

Sounds like you will definitely be in for a new compressor.

[redzmonte]

only thing other then what was said already is try adding some oil AC to the system.. might be low on oil. that might fix the problem or atleast buy you some time.. mine was noisy for a little before the bearings inside the compressor eat them selfs... I had to flush the system, replace compressor, reciever/dryer, orifice, evac the system and refill with correct R134 and oil... works great now tho..

the orifice was completely caked in oily metal shavings.. nasty.

S