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Caterpillar C15 Air Brake Compressor 2000-2007: OEM 20R0178

CATERPILLAR C15 AIR BRAKE COMPRESSOR 2000-2007: OEM 20R0178

Shipping ICON

ORDERS PLACED BEFORE 3PM EST WILL SHIP SAME DAY

WARRANTY ICON

WARRANTY
1M MILES OR 1 YEAR

$1,895.00

CORE CHARGE:

$500.00
iCORE DISCLAIMER: The CORE charge is a 30 day hold and will not be processed as long as the CORE is returned within 30 days. If you do not have a CORE or fail to return the CORE within 30 days, the CORE charge hold amount will be processed at that time.

AVAILABILITY IN STOCK
OEM NUMBER20R0178
PART TYPEAir Brake Compressor
BRANDTamerx Diesel Products
ENGINE MAKECaterpillar
ENGINE TYPEC15
YEAR2000-2007
PART NUMBER20R0178RM

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

This is a Remanufactured Tamerx Air Brake Compressor, Tamerx part number 20R0178RM ( OEM Part Number 20R0178 ). All parts are proudly remanufactured in the U.S.A. to the highest of OEM standards, and improvements are often applied to the original design in the remanufacturing process. This part is primarily made for a Caterpillar C15, production years 2000-2007, and comes with a One Million Miles or One Year Warranty. For additional warranty info Click Here

OEM NUMBERS

Primary OEM20R0178
Additional OEM0R1624, 10R9375, 20R0178, 304-9991

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

CONDITIONRemanufactured
UPC / Barcode
WEIGHT58.00 LBS

SHIPPING OPTIONS

Ship Weight : 58.00 LBS
UPS Ground, 2nd Day Air, Next Day Air

SHIPPING POLICY

Tamerx Diesel Products ships via UPS Ground. Next day air shipping can be arranged for a reasonable price of anywhere from $50.00 - $100.00 depending on the weight of the product and your location. We will do everything we can to make sure that you get the service you need. We understand how important it is to receive your order as quickly as possible.
In most cases Tamerx Diesel Products only needs one address, as long as your product is shipping to the same location as your billing information. In order to eliminate credit card fraud, your billing information must match the credit card you provide.

The terms, conditions, and details of our warranty vary from product to product. Specific warranty details can be found below.

Tamerx Diesel Products provides a replacement warranty on all of our parts. The duration and mileage limitations of the warranty vary by product and are specified on the product's detail page/item listing.

Please note that the warranty covers replacement of the part and the cost of shipping the replacement part to you only. It does not cover any shop, labor, towing, or any similar or related costs. This is not a "money back guarantee".

If you experience a problem with your part or it is not functioning properly, the correct warranty procedure is to call us at (510) 257-1777 (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET Monday through Friday). Be sure to have your order number and/or other relevant order information ready so we can easily locate your order and resolve your issue as quickly as possible. From that point, we will review with you any troubleshooting steps that may need to be taken and other areas or systems that can be checked to rule out external problems contributing to your part's issue. If a replacement is determined to be necessary, we will then arrange for your replacement part to ship out ASAP and issue any necessary return shipping labels and/or documents.

As is the case for the majority of the diesel products sold on Tamerx Diesel Products, your part's warranty is active as soon as you install it. In some other cases, warranty activation is contingent upon you sending us your core (i.e., your old part). Tamerx Diesel Products will provide you a return shipping label for parts that have a warranty with a core return condition. When we have received your core return, the part's warranty coverage begins. We reserve the right to void the product warranty if your core is not received within the allotted time, or if it isn't received at all. If the warranty for the diesel part you are purchasing has a core return requirement, it will be clearly noted on the product detail page/item listing.

What is a Core Charge?

A core charge (also called "core deposit") is similar to the deposit you might pay for a can or bottle of soda and is a standard requirement in the auto parts industry. For example, in many states, to promote recycling, you pay a deposit when you purchase a can of soda and receive your deposit back when you return the empty can. Many automotive parts have a core charge, or core price, that works in essentially the same way as a soda can deposit.

30 Day Core Charge Hold

You authorize Tamerx Diesel Products, to hold your credit card for the specified core charge amount and that you agree to return your core with 30 days of receiving the purchased part. When we have received your core return, the hold is released and the core charge payment is canceled.

The customer, or parts buyer, is responsible for any shipping costs associated with core returns unless otherwise specified in the product listing/detail page. Tamerx Diesel Products offers prepaid UPS shipping labels (SKU numbers UPS-CR1 and UPS-CR2) for use in returning your core that are available for purchase on our website during your shopping/order process.

The shipping label you will need to use for the core return is dependent upon what part you are purchasing. UPS-CR1 is good for cores weighing up to 20 pounds. UPS-CR2 is appropriate for shipping cores weighing 21 pounds or more. You must include enough information with the core return that clearly identifies it as a.) a Core Return, and b.) contains enough information we can use to clearly associate the core return with your order. Including a copy of the invoice or packing slip that came with the original shipment, clearly marked "Core Return", is ideal. Alternately, you can include a note marked as "Core Return" that includes your order number, full name and address, and phone number or other contact information. Failure to include this information with your returned core will most likely delay any due core credit being issued and/or delay any applicable warranty activation. Core returns need to be for the exact part purchased and cannot be damaged. Substituting another part in place of the part you have purchased is not acceptable.

All fluids must be drained.

If you have purchased a set or a parts package, you will need to return cores for all components of the set. For example, if you have purchaed a high pressure oil pump with an IPR valve, you will need to return both HPOP and IPR valve cores to receive proper credit. If you have purchased an EGR cooler/EGR valve package, your core return must consist of an EGR cooler core and an EGR valve core, or core credit will not be given.

Core Charges are often mandated by state legislature, and, as such, the actual core charge and taxes on the charge may vary depending on the state in which you buy your part. The Tamerx Diesel Products core charge presented to you online today with your item is representative of the most common core charge.


Intended for Caterpillar C15 engines built between 2000 and 2007, the OEM 20R0178 Air Brake Compressor is designed to meet factory specifications for dependable air system function. This unit installs directly into the original configuration, supporting consistent air delivery for braking applications. Its design allows for proper integration without modifications, making it a suitable choice for replacement during scheduled service or repair. Built to align with Caterpillar's engineering standards, it provides a reliable match for your equipment. OEM construction helps ensure lasting compatibility and stable operation.

FITMENT CHART

YEARMAKEENGINE(S)
2000Caterpillar C15
2001Caterpillar C15
2002Caterpillar C15
2003Caterpillar C15
2004Caterpillar C15
2005Caterpillar C15
2006Caterpillar C15
2007Caterpillar C15

PEOPLE ALSO ASKS | BLOG(S)

The Caterpillar C15 engine, used in heavy-duty trucks and off-road equipment, relies on a dependable air system to operate brakes and other pneumatic functions. The OEM 20R0178 air brake compressor, designed for model years 2000 through 2007, is a critical part of this system.

This compressor maintains consistent air pressure for safe braking and other vehicle systems. When the original unit shows signs of wear—such as long air build-up times, noise, or visible leakage—replacement becomes essential to keep the vehicle road-ready.

Key features of the OEM 20R0178 air brake compressor include:

  • Durable Cast Housing
    • Built to handle high-duty cycles
  • Precision Pistons and Rings
    • Support efficient air compression
  • Factory-Calibrated Valves
    • Maintain accurate airflow and timing
  • Direct Mount Design
    • Ensures easy fit on C15 engine platforms
  • Compatible with OEM Air Systems
    • Supports standard air brake configurations

Confirm your engine model and OEM part number (20R0178) to ensure proper fit and function during replacement.

This compressor is ideal for maintaining brake system reliability in on-highway trucks, vocational vehicles, and industrial machines powered by the Caterpillar C15 engine.

Keeping your air brake compressor in top shape is critical for safe and consistent brake operation, especially in heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Proper maintenance not only helps avoid breakdowns but also extends the life of your entire braking system.

Routine Maintenance Practices:

  • Check for Air Leaks
    • Inspect air lines, fittings, and the compressor itself regularly. Listen for hissing sounds and use a soapy water solution to pinpoint leaks.
  • Drain Air Tanks Daily
    • Moisture and oil vapor can accumulate in the air tanks. Drain them every day to prevent corrosion and ice build-up, especially in cold climates.
  • Inspect the Drive Belt
    • Look for cracks, fraying, or improper tension. A worn or loose belt can reduce compressor output or cause failure.
  • Monitor Air Pressure Build-Up Time
    • The compressor should bring system pressure up to the required level within the manufacturer’s specified time. Slow build-up may indicate internal wear or air loss.
  • Check the Governor Function
    • Ensure the air compressor governor is operating correctly to regulate cut-in and cut-out pressures. An improper governor can lead to over-pressurization or failure to build air.
  • Change Filters and Oil (If Applicable)
    • Some compressors are oil-lubricated and have filters. Follow your vehicle’s service schedule to replace them at the right intervals.
  • Keep Cooling Systems Clean
    • Overheating can damage the compressor. Make sure coolant passages and radiator fins are clean and unobstructed.

By staying proactive with these maintenance practices, you’ll help ensure dependable braking and avoid costly downtime.

Slow air build-up, oil carryover into the air system, and noisy operation may indicate a failing compressor.

While the compressor itself is low-maintenance, routine inspection of air lines, oil feed, and output is recommended.

Yes, due to the integration with the engine and braking system, professional installation is strongly recommended.

While it varies by application, many fleets inspect or replace the compressor every 400,000–500,000 miles.

Caterpillar Air Brake Compressors