I would like to add for the record (and nothing Against Ratchet Face) that this type of post may be slightly misleading about how easy it is to repair Air Conditioning.
In the simplest sense, what is shown is correct, but there are some steps that should be done to ensure the compressor does not go bad again.
For one, if the prior compressor is bad and has shards of metal or black death in the oil then the whole system needs flushed… To simply replace a compressor, orifice tube and accumulator only will waste your money because there are still bits of metal elsewhere in the system (the lines, condenser and evaporator)…
There is a special tool and cleaner designed to flush systems… This has to be done after an internal failure of a compressor.
I have seen all too many times DIYers who attempt just to change the compressor, orifice tube and accumulator, pull vac add refrigerant and get great working A/C then wonder why the A/C stops working a few months later…
Additionally, not adding the proper amount (or type) of oil can also kill a new compressor…. There will be “some” oil in any new A/C compressor, but it may not be what is required…
The repair for any A/C system is dependent on what happened to it… I.E. if there is a leak due to physical damage in the line, then the line can be replaced, new accumulator added, vacuum pulled and charged and things should be fine (assuming the compressor is not leaking)….
Also, if the clutch or clutch bearings are bad, then they can usually be replaced on the vehicle without removing the compressor or even opening the system….
An open system must always be evacuated before re-charge as well… pull vac to 29 HgIn for 45 min or so…(if you are higher in altitude the HgIn may be lower)
Trying to take advantage of a teachable moment..
I sincerely hope Ratchet Face’s repair works long term… I do not know everything he did so hopefully he drained the new compressor, added back the required oil, then flushed the lines/system, replaced the accumulator (and added some oil), Pulled vacuum on the system for 45 minutes and ensured it held VAC for another 15 min before adding refrigerant..
-Karl