A/C compressor replacement

You need a recovery tank for the refrigerant--a set of good air conditioning pressure gauges for high and low pressure--wrenches and stuff like that. If replacing the compressor you should also replace the accumulator and (if equipped) the orface tube. You also need to measure the amount of refrigerant that is evacuated in order to put the proper amount in. It's not like just adding a can or two of refrigerant. The system must be flushed so the new compressor does not get clogged up. The reason your compressor failed is probably because there was too much wax build up inside of the system. This happens when the system is not serviced properly.
Yes you can do this yourself, however you need expensive equipment to do it right. You also need to know what you are doing. A/C systems in cars operate at very high pressures and can be dangerous. I suggest purchaseing an air conditioning srevice manual for your car before you attempt this.

Autozone has the pressure gauges, but I think you must buy them. As for the recovery tank--I dought it.

I want to remind you that A/C systems run on high pressures and discharging and recharging them is dangerous if you don't know what you are doing.

Hi there,

I would be getting a second opinion. I do not believe that there are special tools to replace the compressor, and if the system is vacuumed down correctly & the receiver dryer is replaced, corrosion will not be a factor, it is when moisture is allowed to enter the system as it causes a chemical reaction that is very corrosive then.

Mark (mhpautos)