
Caterpillar C7 Air Brake Compressor 2004-2010: OEM 20R0176
CATERPILLAR C7 AIR BRAKE COMPRESSOR 2004-2010: OEM 20R0176

ORDERS PLACED BEFORE 3PM EST WILL SHIP SAME DAY

WARRANTY
1M MILES OR 1 YEAR
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This is a Remanufactured Tamerx Air Brake Compressor, Tamerx part number 20R0176RM ( OEM Part Number 20R0176 ). 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 C7, production years 2004-2010, and comes with a One Million Miles or One Year Warranty. For additional warranty info Click Here
Additional Notes: BA921
OEM NUMBERS
Primary OEM | 20R0176 |
Additional OEM | 10R1437, 191-6521, 20R0176, 353-7135, 385-0935 |
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
CONDITION | Remanufactured |
UPC / Barcode | 00840490542099 |
WEIGHT | 55.00 LBS |
SHIPPING OPTIONS
Ship Weight : 55.00 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.
Designed for Caterpillar C7 engines produced between 2004 and 2010, the Air Brake Compressor OEM 20R0176 provides dependable air supply and pressure control for braking systems in heavy-duty vehicles. This genuine OEM component is built to precise Caterpillar specifications, ensuring accurate fitment, consistent operation, and long-lasting performance. By maintaining proper air pressure, it helps support reliable braking response and overall vehicle safety. Constructed from durable, high-quality materials, this compressor is engineered to handle the rigorous demands of commercial and industrial applications. For fleets and technicians, the Caterpillar C7 Air Brake Compressor delivers OEM-certified quality and trusted reliability for years of service.
FITMENT CHART
YEAR | MAKE | ENGINE(S) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 | Caterpillar | C7 | ||||
2005 | Caterpillar | C7 | ||||
2006 | Caterpillar | C7 | ||||
2007 | Caterpillar | C7 | ||||
2008 | Caterpillar | C7 | ||||
2009 | Caterpillar | C7 | ||||
2010 | Caterpillar | C7 |
PEOPLE ALSO ASKS | BLOG(S)
The air brake compressor on a Cat C7 engine is a critical component in the vehicle’s pneumatic braking system. Its job is to pressurize air and supply it to the air tanks, brakes, and other pneumatic devices. The OEM 20R0176 is designed to match the engine’s performance and provide dependable compressed air under various operating conditions.
Core Operation & Process
- Drive / Input from Engine
- The compressor is driven mechanically (often by the engine’s gear train or accessory drive). As the engine turns, it powers the compressor’s internal mechanisms.
- Suction / Intake
- Ambient air is drawn into the compressor through an inlet port. Often, there’s an unloader valve or bypass mechanism that ensures airflow only enters when needed (i.e. when air pressure falls). The governor or control system monitors pressure and signals when to engage.
- Compression Stage(s)
- Inside, pistons (or similar compression elements) compress the air in stages. During compression, the volume is reduced and the pressure rises.
- Discharge / Delivery
- Compressed air is discharged into the air system — storage tanks, brake lines, or other pneumatic components. A relief or pop-off valve in the compressor head prevents overpressure by venting excess air if needed.
- Unloader / Bypass Control
- When system pressure reaches a set maximum, the unloader valve or mechanism prevents further compression (the drive may idle or bypass). This avoids unnecessary load on the engine and overcharging the system.
Protection & Integration
- The compressor includes a pressure relief valve in the compressor head; if that valve bypasses air, it signals a system problem (such as blockage or overpressure).
- Proper lubrication and sealing are important to keep the compressor components durable and leak-free.
- It must align with the engine’s timing and drive system, so the drive gear and mounting are critical for proper mesh and durability.
Without a functional air compressor like the OEM 20R0176, the braking system would lose pressure, making the air brakes ineffective. The compressor ensures that enough clean, pressurized air is always available so brakes respond quickly and safely. It’s also part of the broader vehicle pneumatic network, making it a foundational component for safety and reliability.
The air brake compressor is one of the most critical safety components in a heavy-duty truck. It supplies the air pressure needed for the braking system to function properly. If your air brake compressor starts to fail, you might wonder whether it’s still safe to drive. The short answer is no — driving with a bad air brake compressor is not safe.
Why the Air Brake Compressor Matters
Your truck’s braking system depends on a steady supply of compressed air. The compressor builds and maintains that air pressure, ensuring that the brakes respond immediately when you press the pedal.
When the Compressor Fails, You Risk:
- Low air pressure warnings
- or constant air alarms
- Slower brake response times,
- increasing stopping distance
- Inconsistent braking performance
- under load
- Complete brake failure,
- if pressure drops too low
- Possible DOT violations,
- as operating with unsafe air pressure is illegal
What to Do if You Suspect Compressor Failure
- Stop driving immediately.
- Continuing to operate the truck could result in brake failure.
- Check the air pressure gauge.
- If it’s dropping rapidly, the compressor may not be building air.
- Inspect for leaks or damaged lines.
- Sometimes, air loss comes from a system issue rather than the compressor itself.
- Schedule professional service.
- A technician can test system pressure and determine if replacement is necessary.
It is not safe to drive with a bad air brake compressor. Even partial compressor failure can severely compromise braking ability. If you notice warning lights, pressure loss, or unusual noises, stop driving and have the system inspected immediately.
Yes, a malfunctioning compressor can reduce braking efficiency and air supply reliability.
They check system pressure, inspect for leaks, and test compressor output capacity.
Contaminated oil, excessive heat, or moisture in the air system can lead to early failure.
Yes, it uses engine oil for lubrication through an integrated oil supply line.