a/c compressor replacement

[stang2z]

My a/c compressor started making noise but was o.k. when I turned on the a/c. Then it was noisey all the time so I took off the belt and went all summer without a/c. This winter I plan to replace the compressor and recharge the system. Are there any 'how to' articles on this procedure. I've never messed with a/c before.

[stang2z]

If it matters I have a 98 6-speed camaro.

[Zboner]

just have it recharged and the oil recharged, try that i have the same problem with my a/c on my 98 but the noise goes away after a min, then its ok.

[stang2z]

my car has 125k and I'd rather not stick money into the old compressor. The local shops have told me that once it's noisey you'll get metal shavings into the compressor and it's done. They also quoted $800-$1500 to repair (they use the oem compressor @ $750). Autozone has a reman for $250.00

[Zboner]

yea but to recharge its like 10 bucks, try that and see if it works. if not then get the reman.

[stang2z]

I don't need to recharge it - it still blows cold. It's just noisy as hell. It sounds like metal on metal. So I'm sure the bearings are bad. I was going to replace just the bearings but was told that the compressor wouldn't last long with the metal shavings from the bearings.