The noise was indeed the compressor itself.
I had the compressor and receiver/dryer replaced, re-gassed.
I asked to keep the old compressor so I can pull it apart and maybe turn it into an air compressor but haven't had time so far.

All good, and understandable.
I found a new panasonic compressor for approx $540 (~$410US) locally,
thanks for the help

That helps thanks,
Unfortunately no postage to Australia

Thanks for the reply. That was my gut feeling but never want to hear that. I have been given a part number - C23661450E for the compressor by mazda spare parts. Obviously not going to get Mazda to do it - $1500AU just for the compressor. Doing some research it would seem that multiple compressors ca...

Hi, Take a look/listen at https://youtu.be/guqRyN81n6E It's a Mazda 3 BK (2008) that has a clicking? noise when it disengages. I thought it might have been a clutch area problem, replaced the pulley bearing (it was on it's way out) but the noise remained. I worked out the click happens when manually...