1989 300E

Got a blown compressor clutch, and there is a fluttering/rattling/mild grinding kind of noise coming from that general area of the engine. It doesn't sound alarming, just sorta "loud", you know? It seems the noise started right around the time the compressor blew.

Is that possible, that it's just the blown compressor making "dead compressor" noises, or is it possible the water pump is starting to go? I can handle either of those jobs, as well as the oil pump, I guess. Any well-known "noise issues" here?

The car runs great, and I'd just as soon wait until next spring to replace the compressor, unless of course it's dangerous to wait. Or unless I could do the swap myself, but I've never worked with freon before....

Thanks,
Jimmy