How important is AC compressor? 85 300TD W123

[azitizz]

I was driving the other day and noticed a rattling in lower left part of the engine. I pulled over and inspected and saw it was a part of what looks like the tensioning/stabilizing bar for the belt driven AC compresser? (I think thats what it is)

It was still connected at one end and was rattling against a part of the body on the loose hanging end

There was nothing I could do at the time and had to drive on. Since then it seems to have fallen off completely. The belt is now loose of course.

Two questions I have.
One, how difficult is it to either make or obtain a new stabilizing bar?

And Second, would there be any good reason for not removing the belt in the meantime so as to not have it flap off out of control and possible cause more damage?

Thanks all