what are the dangers of removal and replacing the AC compresor?

I have a 94' volvo 850 GLT A/T late model. My A/C suddlenly stop working, Everytime I turn the A/C, I can hear an adnormal loud noise coming from the AC compresor. The ac blower motor and controls work just fine, execpt that is not blowing cold air anymore.
I think, it must be the compressor. My question is:
-can I change the compresor without vacuum the system?
-am I gonna get frost bite?
The people in the shop are charging me $150 just to vacuum the system.
They told me that I can change the compresor without vacuum the system but the AC is not going to work at its full capacity.

I wanna do the job myself replacing the compresor.

Any commnets will be highly appreciate


Jorge

You MUST vacuum A/C on ANY car for it to work properly. This is not exclusive to Volvo's. It's the way A/C's work. Lots of info online on why. Do a search on any search engine of a description of how auto A/C systems work.

I've heard that some Autozone stores will rent an A/C vacuum so you could still might be able to do it yourself. See if one is in your area. Not all have them.

When my A/C breaks I usually get another car.

They told you right. How long do you want the A/C system to work before you have to replace every component in order for it to work properly again? You can do all of the work yourself with out pulling a vacuum and if you do you should flush the lines. When you don't pull a vacuum you won't get all of the water out of the system so you'll need to replace the accumulator as well. You should replace that every time you open up the system anyway.

Oh, and you can lose a finger to frostbite if there still is refrigerant in the system and you let the refrigerant out on your finger for too long. Hopefully your sensory perception should be high enough for you get the heck out of the way in time.
--
'98 XC '95 855 GLT '83 245 DL (245 for sale! e-mail me if your looking to buy); All over 125k miles

If you unplug the AC hoses, you introduce air and water - a no,no. Plus, you need to replace the accumulator/dryer anyway. Call an AC shop and ask them what they charge to evac and refill the system with 26oz of r134a and oil. Then do the pasts swap yourself.
You could get cold fingers if you leave them in the escaping gas too long, but most people will move their tools and fingers before it gets too cold :)


Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Remember it's Ester oil in our system, not the typical PAG oil.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Are you sure MIJ thats it is ester oil rather than PAG oil. The service manuals for the ac pdf's state PAG?? Maybe I'm miss reading something.

Luther,
I swear that on my '98 S70 I had read about Ester's, but re-reading the 850 manual (the one you can download here for free, for a '95), it mentions PAG oil (Part #11 61 407-0), so I stand corrected. Sorry for the confusion. Still, 3oz of oil should be added to receiver/dryer and all new 0-rings lubricated with the oil before assembly.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

No problem! Thank you for all the help you provide to everyone on these boards.