Strange noise when AC is on - But goes away when depressing clutch

[jayrw]

I noticed today when I have the AC on and the car is idling you can hear a strange noise coming from the engine ,kinda like rocks in a can type noise but its really hard to describe, The weird part is when I depress the clutch this noise goes away? This symptom only happens when the AC is on, Any ideas appreciated.

Car is a 2000 GT, 5 speed, 74k miles.

 

[99ponycar]

I had a probem with a noise when my AC was on a while back, but it was just caused by some leaves that had gotten into the blower fan. Doesn't sound like that's your problem.

 

[jayrw]

Maybe if I record the sound with my camera it'l be easier to diagnose here.

 

[twogts4us]

Yeah, a recording may help, but if the noise goes away when you depress the clutch pedal, most likely the culprit is your throw out bearing. How this ties into the AC I have no idea...maybe it's just coincidence?