A/C smoking; loud noise

[jpruessner]

So this morning I was on my way to work and while sitting at the light I hear this loud noise coming from the front passenger side of the car. Then I notice some white smoke coming from under the car and hood in that location. I turned off the A/C and the smoking stopped and the noise got quieter, but still noticeable. I went on to work. No lights came on or anything and the temperature guage was normal.

Any ideas what this could be?

It is a 2006 Mazda 3s with 2.3 liter engine, manual transmission. It has about 55,000 miles on it.

 

[chromal]

Not something I've experienced, so I'm not sure, but could it be AC belt slippage? When you get a chance you should pop the hood and see if you can see it happening. Otherwise, dunno.

 

[JP0317]

What does it sound like? Screeching, crunching,...? My thoughts lean towards a belt as well.