Rebult vs New A/C Compressor

[sms]

Replaced my Nippondenso 10P17C compressor on my 560sl last year with a rebuilt and it worked fine for a few months in the summer and is now leaking. Job involved flushing system, new drier, evacuation and recharge.

I'm looking at doing this again and was wondering if rebulits are bad in general or are there some that are better than others? Who sells the better ones or should I just by a new one?



Thanks

[engatwork]

Personally I would not waste my time putting anything but a new compressor on any of my vehicles during a compressor change.

It really depends on the compressor. Some compressors rebuild well and some don't. For those that do, then it has to do with the quality of work performed by the rebuilder.

Your best bet is ALWAYS a new compressor after a THOROUGH flush if it failed catastrophically.

In the case of a LEAKING compressor, you should first determine exactly where it is leaking and see if you can fix it. You can replace the shaft seal and you can replace the sensor seal. These would be your most common leaks and are repairable.

Good luck,

[md21722]

My MB dealer rebuilt Nippondenso compressor has burned up 3 clutches, 2 under warranty. Now the compressor it out of warranty and I'll probably have to replace it.

Compressor & clutch installed by mech in April 2002 and he warrantied the first two clutches. Third cluch went out in September 2003 after I completely flushed the system and converted to R-12.

Regards,

[engatwork]

I was referring to the r4 compressor.

[MrCjames]

To Larry

Agreed, flushing the system (old school thinking) for better long term performance, refilling it with proper oil charge/level for each item in the system, new rcvr/drier and possibly an expansion valve for maximum log term benefit.

To md21722

Sounds like the clutch clearance was overlooked, three failures? It was/is a procedural matter with the installer/installation.



For the cost conscious consumer the MB exchange (rebuilt Nipondenso) compressor may be the better investment, if it develops a problem you simply drop it off at the dealer and have it resolved. (Providing it is still within the Warranty period). On the other hand a new Nipondenso compressor may yield better long term performance for those who are not willing to be bothered with AC problems in a short amount of time. Either one of these assumes that proper installation techniques/practices are adhered to during the time of the repair.