My nephew bought a compressor about 2 years ago for $150 which I installed for him. As I recall, he bought it somewhere online w/only a 1 yr. warranty but it's still working fine.

EDIT: I noticed that you posted this same message in another thread. This thread was dead for almost 4 years, the other almost 7. It might have been better to just start a new thread.

 

db/sb is right - Please, there is no reason to double-post on two different threads (they are usually deleted) and resurrecting ancient ones gets frowned upon by some.

 

Almost 4 years now since they replaced my noisy compressor and it's back making the same annoying whine again. Even though I got a "Lifetime Replacement Warranty" with the second unit they won't replace it again unless
it stops cooling. It's embarrassing to run the car around in local traffic it makes so damn much noise!!

 

Following the info on the forum I attacked the wicked Compressor. I had a possible leak at the condenser which I never confirmed. I had installed the Gutter Guard Shield at the bumper however it was suspect. The compressor started making a sound like a baseball card in bicycle spokes. I would just cut it off at stop lights, so compressor and condenser replacement day was here. I cut the HF 3/8" serpentine bar tool at 13" as suggested worked perfect.
Had belt off in 5 min. I replaced the O ring seals as I proceeded and 3 1/2 hrs later had it back together and connected to the vac pump also HF. Following past post with an empty compressor and new condenser I added the PAG 100 2.5 oz for compressor and 2 oz for a total system dump. (5 oz capacity)This vehicle had a previous front impact. I don't believe the PAG oil level was ever correct so I hope the 4.5 ish is close. It's holding Neg pressure so that's good.
I'm leaving it overnight I plan on completing the charge tomorrow I'll update success or failure. I might get lucky. Thanks to all who posted their best methods. So far this was not a bad project.

 

Ripster - good bit of work there. Yeah do keep us posted on the final results.

 

UPDATE: As mentioned I replaced the AC compressor and condenser. Some history, this vehicle had a previous frontal impact and a total loss of refrigerant.
Body shop repairs were done and problems began. I took it in for ac service at a local shop twice, both times low on charge. On the third trip compressor was puttering and dye test showed condenser leak, they left it in a vac state and said major repair compressor and condenser needed replacement. $1600.00.
So I started reading the forum. I purchased a used GM compressor & new condenser and seal kit on ebay. About $180.00 and gauges and vac pump from Harbor Freight. I had the serpintine tool which as suggested I cut to 13".
8 oz PAG 100 and 2 -12 oz r134 were around $45.00. I searched for where to add the oil and found instructions to empty compressor and measure. Then add accordingly for what lacked. There was only about 3/4 of an oz in the compressor which was likely the cause of the puttering sound. The used compressor was empty I added 4.5 oz to cover the condenser guessing maybe a 1/2 oz was left in the evaporator (5 oz system capacity)and proceeded to re-install. If you are doing just the compressor I suggest unbolting the radiator supports and removing the the fan with fill bottle to gain access to the lines. I replaced the O ring disc at the condenser,compressor, and one other connection at the line junction. ( you get a huge bag of these) (Tire & inner fender lining were removed and replaced)
Which brings me to charging, the vac held neg pressure over night and I proceeded to charge. Started engine, cut ac on, fan on med,external air.
Added 1 12oz and some from the 2nd can via low side. Cooling fan kicked in at 150 degrees and ac was blowing a 42 degree window down temp. Time today 30 min. working 30 min. dazed by the results. I wish I had done this repair sooner. It was a hot summer. I believe I did a more thorough repair and have an understanding of the complexity's involved. Thanks to all who posted their Compressor adventures. I've visited the forum many times but felt it was time to share my results so the next home mechanic may have success.