Which AC compressor to get?

[Clemens]

According to the yellow dye, my AC cimpressort seems to be the culprit for my need to refill the gas every year. Other than that, it works fine.

Out of a sea of crappy parts, Nissens seems to be the only reliable brand to me. The OE part is backordered.

I think to remember that Nissens was the best choice for radiators.

Any advice is welcome.

[P80GLT]

I have an NRF fitted to my V70, the company who fitted it said they were a quality product

[misha]

Yes...NRF is a quality brand for ac and cooling system.
About ac compressor @clemens...i would stick to OE Zexel.
Your old one can be stripped and resealed...parts are available through every reputable ac shop.
The only problem is access to it...which is a lot of work.

[Clemens]

Then I'll look for a Zexel or NRF.
NRF, for example, is one of the brands I never heard of and would have avoided.
I'm afraid this is a pita job. I will outsource it to my indie. How many hours of labor is the compressor replacement?

[scot850]

You should replace the drier at the same time. It is not a terrible job, just time. Disconnect the serpentine belt.

Being an 850, the alternator is not mounted on the same mounts as the AC compressor. I'm sorry it has been a long time since I did one on an -98 car! I think the compressor can come out from the bottom of the car but I can't recall. If not, then when the condenser is out of the way, it can come out the top. Hardest part is getting the pipes off the compressor. The top one likes to rust in place and may require heat to get it loose.

Then while in there, I would recommend having the orifice tube replaced while in there. It is in the pipework on the car frame near the front of the engine.

There will be some O-rings involved too.

Without the price of the compressor, I'm thinking $500?

Oh, Behr/Mahle make a compressor. Might be worth finding out as suggested, what having yours rebuilt would cost. Downside it would mean the car would be out of action for longer.

Neil.