Need a replacement A/C compressor or clutch kit? The challenge is that a single price spread covers very different jobs. You might need a drop-in compressor for a Thermo King Tripac APU, a clutch kit for a General Motors heavy-duty truck, a direct replacement for a Toyota Tacoma, or a compressor with clutch for a Nissan Altima. This guide compares four replacement options so you can see which one fits your vehicle and what you get at each price.
Quick Take
Most shoppers will land on one of two paths: a straight compressor replacement for a common car or truck, or a specialized unit for a commercial/auxiliary system. If you have a Tacoma, the direct replacement with clutch at $120.99 covers the 2.7L and 3.5L engines. If you have an Altima, the $74.37 compressor with clutch is a direct replacement for the 2.5L. The Thermo King unit is the most expensive at $264, but it's aimed at a specific APU application and includes a clutch and pre-filled oil. The CoolTech clutch kit is the least expensive at $44.99, but it's a clutch kit rather than a whole compressor.
Listed Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement for Thermo King Tripac APU AC A/C Compressor Type 102-1018 102-580 | USD 264.00 | |
| AFTERMARKET AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH KIT REPLACEMENT FOR PART AC DELCO # 15-40552 | USD 44.99 | |
| OEM For Toyota Tacoma 16-23 2.7L 3.5L AC Compressor w/ Clutch Direct Replacement | USD 120.99 | |
| Fit For 2007 2008-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L l4 98664 AC A/C Compressor With Clutch | USD 74.37 |
Decision Matrix
| Use Case | Recommended Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Thermo King Tripac APU | Replacement for Thermo King Tripac APU AC A/C Compressor Type 102-1018 102-580 | Designed for the Tripac APU, includes a clutch and 6 oz of PAG 100 oil |
| GM heavy-duty truck needing a clutch kit | AFTERMARKET AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH KIT REPLACEMENT FOR PART AC DELCO # 15-40552 | Fits 2015-2020 Silverado/Sierra HD 6.6L V8, includes pulley with pressed-in bearing |
| Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 | OEM For Toyota Tacoma 16-23 2.7L 3.5L AC Compressor w/ Clutch Direct Replacement | Covers L4 2.7L and V6 3.5L, includes clutch, belt-driven, multiple interchange numbers |
| Nissan Altima 2007-2012 | Fit For 2007 2008-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L l4 98664 AC A/C Compressor With Clutch | Direct replacement for 2.5L, includes clutch, US origin, 1-year warranty |
Product Notes
Replacement for Thermo King Tripac APU AC A/C Compressor Type 102-1018 102-580
The most expensive option is also the most specialized. This replacement is built for the Thermo King Tripac APU, with an 8-groove clutch and 6 ounces of PAG 100 oil already inside. It lists R134a and R404a refrigerant support and a 1-year warranty. The trade-off is that it's a commercial-grade part for a specific system, and a full A/C flush is recommended before installation. For a passenger car or light truck, you'd be overpaying for a part that wasn't designed for that job.
AFTERMARKET AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH KIT REPLACEMENT FOR PART AC DELCO # 15-40552
This is the least expensive item in the group, but it's a clutch kit, not a compressor. It fits 2015-2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD and 2015-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD with the 6.6L V8. The kit includes a pulley with a pre-pressed bearing and a front plate, and it's meant to match ACDelco # 15-40552. It won't fit aftermarket compressors, so compatibility depends on your OEM setup. The 90-day warranty gives some basic coverage.
OEM For Toyota Tacoma 16-23 2.7L 3.5L AC Compressor w/ Clutch Direct Replacement
This Tacoma compressor comes with the clutch and covers both the 2.7L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6 engines from 2016 to 2023. It's built to OEM standards and factory tested, and it includes several interchange part numbers for cross-checking. The brand isn't named, so you rely on the listed specifications and fitment. The A/C pipes need to be thoroughly cleaned before installation, so budget time for that step.
Fit For 2007 2008-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L l4 98664 AC A/C Compressor With Clutch
For the Altima 2.5L from 2007 to 2012, this direct replacement includes the clutch and is belt-driven with an aluminum construction. It originates from the U.S. and carries a 1-year warranty. The main limitation is that it's specific to that Altima engine family, so it won't work across other models. Checking your engine code against the interchange numbers is a good idea before ordering.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- For a Thermo King Tripac APU: Choose the Replacement for Thermo King Tripac APU AC A/C Compressor Type 102-1018 102-580. It's the only option listed for that system and comes with the clutch and oil.
- For a 2015-2020 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra HD with the 6.6L V8: The AFTERMARKET AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH KIT REPLACEMENT FOR PART AC DELCO # 15-40552 is the clutch kit listed for those trucks.
- For a 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma: The OEM For Toyota Tacoma 16-23 2.7L 3.5L AC Compressor w/ Clutch Direct Replacement gives you a complete compressor with clutch.
- For a 2007-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L: The Fit For 2007 2008-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L l4 98664 AC A/C Compressor With Clutch is a direct replacement with a 1-year warranty.
