97 A/C concern

[bullittandy]

My 97 has 219,000 miles and almost certainly has the original A/C compressor. In very hot weather the compresor "throbs" which can be felt through the structure of the car. (my wife loves it-just kidding) 1.What's going to happen? 2.Obviously it needs replacement, but what are the ACTUAL consequences of letting it fail? 3.What would I replace along with the compressor as maintainence? 4.Can I simply replace the compressor and then take it to a shop for a recharge?5. Is 134 refridgerant dangerous? Meaning-can I crack a line to release the pressure? How bad is this for the enviroment? I recycle oil and all household goods-so can I trade some karma?

Thanks Nico

[Q45tech]

When compressors start to fail and as they fail, they allow tiny pieces of the seals and internals to migrate out thru the condenser and into receiver-dryer and maybe onward thru the flex lines and into evaporator.

Compressor and dryer should be replaced as a pair and the system should be flushed out TOTALLY with special solvent with special system.

Easier to do with all parts disassembled.

When you replace compressor and dryer 4.5 ounces of new compressor oil must be added!!!!!! when you flush you must replace 3.5 ounces of oil.

All fully explained in FSM.

Careful some of shops skip things since no one gives more than 12/12k warranty and they would like to see you back in 2-3 years.

Because it makes the noise you MUST FLUSH! Otherwise the old particles will destroy the new compressor by migration and sucking back after shut down.

[elwesso]

If your going to replace the compressor youself, best thing to do is take it to a shop, have them evacuate it... then take it back home, R/R the compressor and drier... Then take it back to the shop and have them vacuum it down, re-oil, and recharge.....

Unless of course you want to buy a vacuum pump and a bunch of equipment to do it...