Recharged the A/C and started using it. I also updated my review of an A/C recharge hose that I posted here:
http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34167
I hit a bad pothole on the highway while driving my Escort (my main commuter car) and broke an outer tie rod end (possibly more, I should really recheck that). I am so glad I didn't do that to my Alero. Otherwise I would still be commuting in my Escort for another week (A/C does not work in my 1995 Escort). It was weird driving a car with a loose outer tie rod end on one side only. The didn't make any unusual noises or vibrate. It was pulling to one side on acceleration and to the other while braking. It was a Moog outer tie rod end that broke. I suspect that a cheaper brand might have broken completely.