I had my AC compressor replaced less than a year ago at a cost of about $1000. About two days ago it locked up.

1. Other than poor quality replacement, are there any other factors that could have caused this to fail in less than a year?
2. What kind of life are others in this forum seeing with their AC compressors.
3. What is a fair price range for replacing the AC compressor on my 82 300sd?

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1989 300E
103,500 miles

1982 300SD
Sold but not forgotten

Was you new compressor "new?" The failure rate of rebuilt compressors appears to be fairly high.

My original compressor ('82 300D) was still working after 24 years (7 of those years with R-134a) when I replaced it (with a new one) as a preventive measure.

Likely causes of premature failure would include:
- Failure to flush the system following a compressor failure.
- Improper lubrication.
- Improper torque on mounting fasteners.
- Improper refrigerant charge.

Did you use R-12, or a R-134a "conversion"? When I put in a new compressor with R-134a, it only lasted a few years before eating itself. I went back to R-12 and It's been good for the last several years. Expect to pay $1000 -1500.

Looking back to when I bought the car, the compressor was locked up. The shop I took it to I am sure just replaced the compressor, and did not flush out all the scrapnel from the previously locked up compressor. Just got a price from my Trusted Benz shop, about $1500.

__________________
1989 300E
103,500 miles

1982 300SD
Sold but not forgotten

http://www.dieselgiant.com/repairyourac.htm
he covers all the bases, but I would go back with real R12... have funnn!

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!