[Vwdiesel] A/C. Again

[Shalyn Shourds]

Two years ago, I replaced my 2000 Jetta's a/c compressor.  I got a new one for about $250, installed it, and went on my way.  The VW shop where I got the system vacuumed and recharged told me that if I paid less than $500, I was getting a bogus "new" compressor and it was almost certainly a rebuild with Chinese innards.  

Now, I have a pronounced hammering sound when I run the compressor.  I'm inclined to believe them now.  First compressor lasted 11 years.  

Thoughts on compressors?  I bought this sold as new from AutohausAZ.  Never had a problem before.  It's getting toward summer here in Texas and it's a mission critical part.  No matter how beat up and old the car on the road here, the a/c always works.  It's that kind of hot.  I gotta decide whether to buy another $250 compressor or pay the probably $500 this shop wants for the part.  

I'm also open to suggestions as to why the sounds and mediocre cooling could be something other than the compressor.  I try hard to not have a lot of experience working on a/c systems.  

-Shalyn