I guess the obivious place to start would be the refridgerant. Is there anyway I can test to see if this needs to be done first? If I bring it in to a professional, what is the going rate for such a service? Or in other words what should I pay without taking it in the arse? Will the professional check for leaks when they check refridgerant? Is that included in price?

If its not the simple things Im assuming its the compressor, which that part alone is 300$ wholesale. Im sure a shop would charge close to 500$ for the part, and 300-400$ for the labor? Is that about right?

Is there any simple maintainence or quick fix that can be done to a compressor without having to fork over the big bucks? By simple I mean something a beginner like myself could do?

Any detailed advice or links to online resources would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

and no our compressor is not rebuildable, the pulley and compressor is all one assembly so if its your compressor that died, just replace it