How do I evacuate the A/C system before disassembling and replacing the compressor and drier?

Working on my car myself is not a problem, but I have never done any A/C work before. Rather than paying a shop nearly 1000 dollars, I am doing the work and getting the parts myself and having the shop flush and refill the system.

 

You need an expensive machine to properly evacuate the system. Though it is not environmentally friendly, you can just vent the system as you take your first connection loose, then have a shop evacuate and fill the system when you are ready. Keep all open connections protected while disconnected.

 

LOL. Thanks for the advice. I live in Houston, so A/C release is not our biggest environmental damage issue. What kind of pressure release should I be expecting from releasing the first connection?

 

Just go slow with removal so there is no sudden gush. Venting with the shrader fill valve might help as well. The refrigerant will have some oil in it, too.

 

I am guessing if I use the valve to vent, I should probably use the low pressure side valve correct?