RussB

I have a knowledgable friend who thinks that aftermarket parts quality isn't as good as the parts that go into new cars. I discounted this opinion at first, but am begining to think that he may be right.

Compare average lifetimes of parts that come with new cars to those of replacement parts. Are they roughly the same?

I recall that US Rubber Co's (my father's employer) OEM boots and seals had the dickens tested out of them by the Detroit car mfrs, while they were in production for installation in new cars. The supply contracts were huge, but required random sample testing by the supplier at his facility under the supervision of the Detroit car manufacturer: constant flexing and vibration in cold, heat, salt water spray, etc. They'd stress them until they failed. Parts were upgraded (by changing the rubber mixture or mold design) as weaknesses were revealed. I'm sure that aftermarket parts distributors such as Worldpac do no testing nor do they require source testing or inspections by the aftermarket manufacturers . . . so the quality is only as good as the aftermarket product manufacturer wishes it to be.

Your thoughts?

SteveAngry

Such as rear tie rods, control arms, etc...

Manly suspension stuff.

Steve
Michigan

Randolph

I know many will disagree but I tend to prefer OEM parts or OEM manufactured because they do last much longer in my exp. Every time I replace something on the 5000 while I'm irratated with the cost of the parts, at the same time I'm amazed at how long it has lasted to begin with. I'm not saying you need to always go to the dealer for parts however. For example you can buy the same OEM parts from other sources for much less (with a few exceptions) as we all know.

Randolph

87 5KCSTQ
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