Thanks for the reply Jim,

I had to replace the AC compressor a few years ago, I did just as you said. I kept the lines open for as short of time as possible to keep as much moist air out as I could.

The AC shops told me for them to replace the AC pump they would also have to replace the expansion valve and dryer, which was information I ignored, the AC system worked fine before the pump lost it's idler bearing. I think the AC shops just like getting the extra bucks by replacing as much as they can get away with.