I will try to post a video later.

04 RX-8 making a sound like a car at idle that is low on power steering (yes I know these dont have fluid and are electrical). Its a low wooshing sound that gets louder up to 3-4k rpm's. Sounds like an accesory bearing like the ac clutch, But the sound doesnt change at all when I apply the ac (The ac has been making a loud wooshing noise when it is on and I run up over 4krpm's). I though it might be the pilot bearing in the tranny but the noise really seems to be coming from the ac compressor. It does get a whine to it sometimes. Pumping the clutch also had no effect on the noise.

I have it isolated to the lower driver side. Any suggestions to help isolate it further or if anyone has dealt with this are appreciated.

Also, can the clutch be replaced on the compressor if this is it or do I have to buy a completly new one?

 

although rare, it could fail.

I'm not sure if Mazda sells a seperated part, but you can always just get one from junk yard for cheap and install it yourself. Assume you know how and have all the tools, it takes about an hour.