Need new A/C compressor, VW Jetta GLI, Denso or Sanden?

[shortyb]

Looks like the compressor is going and will probably have a new one installed soon. There are 2 that are shown to be OE for the car (2017 VW Jetta GLI), Denso and Sanden. Shop will install either if I source it myself. Heard good and bad about both, but wanted to know if anyone has had experience with both/either for a VW application. Current unit is a Sanden.

 

[Capt W]

Heard good and bad about both

You can say this for just about any product. The fact is both have been reliable manufacturers for generations. That said, I'd make sure I'm actually getting a Denso (or Sanden in your case) part...from them. In other words, any of the lower-tier rebuilders (Four Seasons, et al) will still offer you a remanufactured Denso or Sanden compressor, but it'll be rebuilt by them and not the OEM.

Worse yet in my experience (and I've done a few dozen system refurbs/R134a conversions) are the cheerfully labeled "new" units that seem omnipresent these days. "Oh, look...they're brand new!" Sure are. Brand new Chinese replicas of the originals. Pass.

I would look for an actual remanufactured Sanden unit from an authorized vendor.

Besides a quality unit, the success of an A/C job like this rests largely with the install. Did the dude tell you to get anything else...like the required filter-drier? Will they perform a system flush and thorough re-oiling? Do any other components require replacement?

 

[Chris142]

Usually all that goes wrong with those is the control valve

 

[JavierH19]

I'd be surprised a comp failed after just 9 years but it's usually that stupid variable nonsense that breaks but that can usually be replaced on its own. The factory comp and clutch on my 345k yukon and 294k sierra are still good and don't make noise. I love these old nice simple systems. I bet the variable junk on the escalade won't last half of either.

Don't imagine a shop will only want to replace that variable thing alone. If the OEM compressor is just a few hundred more I'd probably go oem over aftermarket. I'd only go aftermarket if it makes sense or is the only option.

 

[zzyzzx]

Just buy whichever is cheaper and don't worry about it.

 

[shortyb]

You can say this for just about any product. The fact is both have been reliable manufacturers for generations. That said, I'd make sure I'm actually getting a Denso (or Sanden in your case) part...from them. In other words, any of the lower-tier rebuilders (Four Seasons, et al) will still offer you a remanufactured Denso or Sanden compressor, but it'll be rebuilt by them and not the OEM.

Worse yet in my experience (and I've done a few dozen system refurbs/R134a conversions) are the cheerfully labeled "new" units that seem omnipresent these days. "Oh, look...they're brand new!" Sure are. Brand new Chinese replicas of the originals. Pass.

I would look for an actual remanufactured Sanden unit from an authorized vendor.

Besides a quality unit, the success of an A/C job like this rests largely with the install. Did the dude tell you to get anything else...like the required filter-drier? Will they perform a system flush and thorough re-oiling? Do any other components require replacement?

Yep, if the compressor is replaced, they would also replace the expansion valve, receiver/drier, and all seals involved. Obviously they'd pull vacuum and then recharge and re-oil with proper amount of PAG oil. They said they'd do the control solenoid and would warranty it and labor only. If the compressor soiled the bed later, I'm back to square one with a compressor replacement. Both compressors include the control solenoid anyway, so I'd get a new one either way. Would love to DIY, but I don't have access to a $20K A/C evac/recharge machine .

 

[Capt W]

Sounds like they're squared away! Best of luck with the job.

FWIW I don't have any fancy equipment, either. Just a nice set of manifold gauges, a vacuum pump, and a small scale. I've always been able to find someone to recover refrigerant...usually for free...when required.

I've learned a lot doing my own over the past 20 years, and saved a ton of cash in the process. That said, if you're not a guy who does this stuff semi-regularly I fully understand having a shop do it. And it appears you have a good one.

 

[Escape08]

Either one

 

[Trav]

The one from Hella/Behr have been great and long lasting, today they sold under the MAHLE / CLEVITE brand. Some thing different name.

 

[nthach]

If the wiring plugs/line connections/mounting points are the same, you can do either Denso or Sanden. If you can buy a Denso First Time Fit aftermarket or a new Sanden, even better. What does FCP Euro have?

Else, I would trust a Chinese clone from GPD/UAC more than a Four Seasons reman. And I think the parts stores(at least Advance and maybe O’Reilly/AZ) are now using new Chinesium than reman in their compressor kits.

 

[shortyb]

If the wiring plugs/line connections/mounting points are the same, you can do either Denso or Sanden. If you can buy a Denso First Time Fit aftermarket or a new Sanden, even better. What does FCP Euro have?

Else, I would trust a Chinese clone from GPD/UAC more than a Four Seasons reman. And I think the parts stores(at least Advance and maybe O’Reilly/AZ) are now using new Chinesium than reman in their compressor kits.

FCP has the Sanden for ~$520, and Genuine VW for ~$700. ECS Tuning has the Sanden for ~$435, the Denso for ~$540, and the Behr for ~$545. Genuine VW is ~$1035 . Both FCP and ECS have Lifetime Replacement Guarantee on all of their compressors and all are brand new, no remans. Probably going to go with the Sanden from ECS.

 

[Trav]

FCP has the Sanden for ~$520, and Genuine VW for ~$700. ECS Tuning has the Sanden for ~$435, the Denso for ~$540, and the Behr for ~$545. Genuine VW is ~$1035 . Both FCP and ECS have Lifetime Replacement Guarantee on all of their compressors and all are brand new, no remans. Probably going to go with the Sanden from ECS.

FCP has a made in Germany Denso overstock. See if it fits the OE number, don't trust the fitment guide.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-vw-a-c-compressor-471-1497#description

 

[shortyb]

FCP has a made in Germany Denso overstock. See if it fits the OE number, don't trust the fitment guide.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-vw-a-c-compressor-471-1497#description

Wish it did, I checked every which way to Sunday. In talking with several of my parts gurus and service techs, the Denso one (1K0820859S) you listed was a fairly common compressor for most of the 2.0 turbo engine codes to up around 2014-2015. However, it is NOT a good fit for the frankenmotor that is the "2013.5" EA888 Gen 3 in the GLI. Too many small differences to take a chance and save a few bucks, but thanks for the link.