This is my girlfriends car and I would prefer to do the work on it, but is this a dealer or shop service type of job? I have a used compressor to put on the car but I don't think I would be able to do it because of the refrigerant. Am I correct? Could I have the shop remove the refrigerant and then do all the labor myself, and finally bring it back to the shop to recharge the refrigerant again?

The problem with her current compressor is that it sounds like metal clinking around when it is not engaged. I assume the bearings or something are shot?

yes there is a safe way to vent the AC system

here is how the FSM states to do the repair

sorry this is long...but there is a strong warning at the beginning

thorough visual inspection should always be performed before any tests or repairs are done. Doing so may find an obvious problem that will save time and eliminate the need for extensive diagnosis. Some additional items, as listed below, should be considered before a compressor is replaced for noise, vibration or insufficient cooling concerns.

The compressor mounting bolts, brackets or braces may be loose or missing.
The compressor drive belt may be frayed, loose or misaligned.
The A/C refrigerant lines may be grounding out on body, chassis or engine components. This may allow noise and vibration to be transmitted into the passenger compartment.
The air flow through the condenser may be insufficient.
The condenser fins may be bent or filled with debris.
The space between the condenser and radiator may be filled with leaves or debris.
The cooling fans may be inoperative or not performing as designed.
The installation of aftermarket accessories may alter or restrict the air flow through the condenser.
Inspect for missing or mispositioned air deflectors, baffles, seals and shrouds.
The compressor cycling switch may not be operating correctly. This may allow the evaporator core to freeze up or the compressor may not stay engaged long enough for proper system pressures to develop.
The air flow through the evaporator core may be restricted.
The cabin filter may be plugged.
The evaporator core may be covered with debris.
The cowl air inlet leaf screen may by plugged.
The A/C system may be overcharged or undercharged with refrigerant. The A/C system charge weight can be measured with the ACR 2000 after a refrigerant recovery is done.
The A/C system may have an improper amount or incorrect type of refrigerant oil. Only GM approved refrigerant oils should be used.
An A/C system sealer is not approved for use in GM vehicles.
The vehicle'* refrigerant may be contaminated or contain an excessive amount of air. The vehicle'* A/C system may have been charged with an unapproved refrigerant. The refrigerant identifier on the ACR 2000 should alert the technician to these conditions.
The orifice tube or thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) may be restricted, plugged or inoperative.
The capillary bulb on the TXV must be properly positioned so that the valve will provide proper refrigerant flow.
The desiccant bag in the accumulator may have failed, allowing debris to circulate in the A/C system.
The A/C system charge weight may have been changed. Components with an updated design may have been released. A check for service bulletins applicable to the vehicle being worked on should always be done.
A check for diagnostic trouble codes in all the control modules on the vehicle should be done. Some trouble codes will disable compressor operation after they have set. They must be repaired and cleared before compressor operation is allowed.
Verify that the engine is not operating with a low unstable idle, and that the engine is operating within the compressor engagement parameters (for example; the engine may be overheating or it may be too cold for compressor engagement).
The diagnostic procedures in the HVAC section of the Service Manual should be performed as written to prevent the misdiagnosis of a customer concern. The HVAC Diagnostic System Check and the A/C System Performance Test are written for a specific model only. They are not generic charts. They follow a logical order with detailed instructions on how to perform each step.
The Technical Assistance Center may be contacted for additional help and the latest information on any unusual concerns.
When a thorough HVAC system diagnosis indicates that the compressor should be replaced, follow the procedure in the appropriate Service Manual. The oil balance instructions are an important part of the replacement procedure. The correct refrigerant oil, as listed in the Service Manual, must be used in the new compressor. It is recommended that a suction screen filter be installed on Delphi Harrison compressors that do not already have one. The suction screen filter is not approved for use on compressors from other manufacturers. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-39-003A for more information on A/C suction screen kit repair recommendations and procedures. If the compressor has had a catastrophic internal failure, an inline filter may be required to capture the large amount of debris that may be found to be circulating in the A/C system. In addition, the A/C system may require flushing. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-38-006B for more information on flushing procedures and recommendations.

and the procedure

Tools Required
J 39500-B A/C Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling and Recharging (ACR4) System

Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.



Remove the A/C compressor splash shield (1).



Remove the transmission oil cooler line from the brackets.



Remove the retaining bolt from the A/C compressor hose.
Remove the wiring harness clip and reposistion.
Remove the front mounting nuts and the rear mounting bolt from the A/C compressor.
Remove the A/C compressor.
Installation Procedure




Install the A/C compressor.

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Install the mounting nuts to the A/C compressor. Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

Install the mounting bolt to the A/C compressor. Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

Install the retaining bolt to the A/C compressor hose. Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

Install the wiring harness clip.

I have all that info from the same place you got it, but where does it show how to vent the system? It is still asking for the J 39500-B A/C Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling and Recharging (ACR4) System.... AKA... huge machine that I don't have.

that is where the shop comes into play....you need them to remove the friggy with the machine

or you could harm the envoroment, and just add to the hole in the ozone and just push down on the schrader valve near the strut tower

Crack a line and let it vent to atmosphere and hope the neighbors don't catch you......Always worked for me....

When you're done, take it to a shop, have it vacummed down, and then recharged.....prolly about $100.

$100 to recharge it??? Probably just bring the whole works to my dad and watch him do the entire thing!

the R134A is expensive....

R134a is cheap...it'* the R-12 they get you by the balls on last I heard lol.

You have to have the system vaccumed down anytime you break a line and open the system to atmosphere or it'll never cool right.....That was included in the $100.....

It'* an old number from a few years ago when I was gonna get the SSEi sucked down and charge at Tires Plus in Alex..............