a/c help

i have noticed that when i use my a/c lately it has been louder than normal. all of a sudden last week it stopped working. the fuses and relays are good. the blower still works but the compressor wont kick on. any suggestions to save me money on a new one? someone told me it could be low on oil or freon...how can i check or add if the a/c wont come on?

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16793

go buy a a/c recharge kit at pep boys for 15 bucks...if that doenst work then take it in and have it fixed...believe me you will chase the prob all over...it could be just one prob or now that its been running while low on oil...it could be more than just a hose leak...it could be the condenser or a number of things...so buy the kit...if it doesnt work you will save money taking it in....and you will get a warrenty....i hate saying that cause i like doing the work myself...but with a/c you arent SUPPOSED to bleed the a/c out into the air anyway...lol...so if someone that matters catches you...that could be big money....not that i would know....;) ;) ;)