may not need a compressor-don't be too quick to condemn it
It MAY have been slightly noisy due to low charge/oil. This system only holds .93/lb of R134 refrigerant with a slight oil charge. I have recharged many that were down to .60 or so which is low enough for the compressor to shut off, and they worked fine after only a proper evac & recharge. This work DOES require an accurate recycling machine, not something most DIY folks have. These machines evacuate and weigh how much charge was left in the system, then you have a way to complete a diagnoisis of what is going on. Find an independant A/C repair shop in your area and pay for an a/c service-with the correct amount in the system, the pressures can be read and correct system operation can be determined.
as for the actual answer to the question posted, The compressor is the bottom/forward pulley on your serpentine belt, removing the bumper, etc and getting the core support in the "service" position will get you access to it. IF you decide to remove the compressor without a proper service first, PLEASE be careful-even a tiny big of refrigerant left in the system can cause a big pressure blow out when you unbolt the manifold assy at the rear of the compressor.
Thanks for the tip! After reading through the instructions in the Bentley, I'm definitely taking it in to my mechanic. Hopefully it's just low, it did come from SoCal, so it's been used a lot I'm thinking. I'll let you know!
Yea this one is on the edge of DIY. I do my own,but I can get my hands on the vacuum pump. I would make sure the mechanic knows minis.
Good luck I hope it's a simple fix..
