Ticking AC compressor

[Don87LX]

So I have this nice ticking sound comming from my engnie, its not a valve, I did the ol' screwdriver stethascope(sp?) test and it isnt comming from the valve train. It gets more frequent with revs, so its definatly connected to engine speed. It is comming from the ac compressor/ steering pump area. I undid the steering pump belt and it was still there, I was going to do the AC but ran out of light. It dosent change when the AC is on or off. So guys, what could make a AC compressor tick?

[shepherd79]

well, the bearings inside the compressor probably worn out.
it is normal for things to die. just remove the belt and drive till spring.

[POS carb]

my compressor started ticking which started to turn into a rattle which eventually turned into a seized compressor and 2 belts flying off the motor

<Edit> BUT IT SHOULD STOP MAKING THE NOISE WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE A/C SWITCH IN THE CAR, OTHERWISE i WOULD SUSPECT SOMETHING ELSE IS RATTLING

[Don87LX]

yeah this is a constant thing...I am gonna pull the belt soon and see if that does it. If it dosent...back to poking around the motor. Who knows...