Anyone have any experience with Amazon/ebay compressors?

[GMBDguy]

I need to replace my compressor and have noticed some quite inexpensive units on Amazon. I'm sure they are all chinese clones. Are these worth it for a DIYer on a budget?

Unit I a replacing is a 6seu14c on a toyota.

[Diametric]

I need to replace my compressor and have noticed some quite inexpensive units on Amazon. I'm sure they are all chinese clones. Are these worth it for a DIYer on a budget?

Unit I a replacing is a 6seu14c on a toyota.

Hello GMBDguy!

What a timely question.
I just bought 4 compressors. Some expensive like new Denso units.......and a cheapie or two.

My thoughts.....
There's a very good reason the cheap ones are cheap. The internal parts are most likely low cost, lacking the platings, hardness or finishes that are present in better units. I think you mostly get what you pay for. The cheapest ones will likely fail after a short time if they work at all. I just finished tearing apart 4 or 5 old compressor clutches and you get a feel for what can be cheap and how it affects longevity.
In cheap compressors, the bearings are likely sub par, the seals are probably low grade materials and the metals inside are likely cast under high tolerance specs. Mind you I'm just guessing, but it's not a blind guess

So why did I buy a few cheap compressors? Mainly curious. I wanted to see for myself how long a cheapie could last if it got the best care possible (best oils, periodic inspections etc). I have a fleet of vehicles. Nothing fancy, mostly older cars. Some I only use very occasionally so I can afford for it to be down. I have all the equipment to do A/C work and it's a hobby. If I have a catastrophic compressor failure..oh well...it just sits a few weeks until I get to it. I'm fortunate to have that luxury. Many do not.

If you plan to keep the vehicle and it's your primary vehicle, I would not cheap out on the compressor. It's the heart of the system. It hurts, but the price buys you longevity mostly and also efficiency.
Mind you I don't do A/C work professionally but I do it enthusiastically and try to learn as much as I can. I haven't had my vehicles into any shop for over 20 years. Probably more like 30+ years. You learn a lot the more you work at it.

I plan to come back here and post when the first cheap compressor fails, how it failed and final thoughts on cheapie compressors.

Let's see what others and the experts have to say. My opinions are just one.
Let us know what you ultimately do.
Best wishes