2004 X5 4.4i AC questions...HELP

[Johnny_5]

So I just noticed recently that my AC is cold on my drivers side far left side, middle (2nd) towards the drivers is cold but not as cold and as it goes to the (3rd) passenger middle and on its warmer. After doing some research I found that its possible Im low on Freon.

So my question is for ones who are familiar with the recharging process:

Has anyone used the Recharging kits with the vacuum pump with the 2 gauge setup (high / low and vacuum / charging hoses)?

Dont I need a tank when using the vacuum process? Because all the videos I see I dont see any so when its doing the vacuum isnt that pulling freon from the system?

Dont want to overcharge the system doing this myself as I heard that can open a whole new can of worms

Any advise, process, suggestions, etc would be grately appreciated!

Johnny