help please

[andulinka]

HI, I have come here for help. I own chevy blazer 1995 and my AC stopped working, when i try to turn it on it makes such a horrible noise - squeal. I just paid 150 $ to Pep Boys to clean and recharge AC. They told me it's little bit noisy and it will need replace compressor someday. The day came about month later :-(. I found compressor on the net for about 150 $. Pep Boys want up to 750 $ for replacing compressor and recharging it with freon. I don't want to pay that much money. I was saving for road trip around US National Parks, I am gonna go after Labor Day, and I think I could use AC on the road. So I'd like to know if I can replace AC compressor with new one myself and then take it to a proffessionals to clean it and recharge it with freon. Does system must be free of freon before I try to replace compressor with another compressor? Are there any tricks? Anything i need to know before I do it? How should I do it? Please let me know your opinion, thank you so much Andrea

[DennyB]

Andrea,
Have the system evacuated.
Then its pretty much a unbolt and bolt on deal.
Also replace the drier/accumulator since the system will be opened.
You will also need to install a new orifice tube screen as debris is probably clogged it. Its cheep and cannot be cleaned – replace it.
Put new “o” rings on all hoses you remove and lubricate them and the threads (usually aluminum)with refrigerant oil.
Once its all together you can have the system evacuated and charged or you can buy a 134A conversion kit (usually about ($50-$60) and do it your self. Either buy, borrow or rent an AC vacuum pump and evacuate it for about 30 minutes, then charge with oil and 134A.
I hope this helps,
Denny