Hi guys.

I never drive my blazer with AC on, I'm a windows down kinda guy. However, tonight I was trying to diagnose a squeaky pulley (it was the tensioner pulley) and my wife had left the AC on. So while I was under the hood with the engine on, I heard the AC compressor had a loose marbles sound to it, like a popcorn popper or something while the AC was on.

Is this a sign that it's on its way out? I'm planning a 300 mile trip in July this year, I will need the AC to work to keep the family cool, as they are not fans of windows down on the highway. Should I go ahead and replace the compressor? I've never swapped a Compressor before, do I have to relieve pressure or is it a pretty simple bolt on/off type of thing like any other engine accessory?

Thanks

 

When you replace the compressor, you need to evacuate the R134a from the A/C lines before you take the old compressor out. You have to take it to a shop to have the R134a evacuated, against the law to just release into the air. Here is the post from last summer when I had to replace the compressor in my S10 Pickup. It will let you know what all is involved. Lots of help from the forum here:

https://blazerforum.com/forum/2nd-ge...pressor-90114/

After I did everything I have very cold air!!