Oem vs aftermarket parts

[artur]

Hi,

I have engine cooling problem in My FJ Cruiser.
Thanks for the video Eric. It is huge help with the Dealers.
While I am trying to get the problem fixed I am also looking at possible parts replacement.

So the are parts branded Beck Arnley, AISIN, Airtex, Cardone, Pronto, Hayden and so on.
Should I look for better performance with Aftermarket or stay with OEM?
Would I get better quality and better performance or is it just a waste of my time?

Artur

Topic

[Andrew Phillips]

For Toyota (and Hyundai), I always try to get OEM parts. It has been my experience (both with the truck I currently own and the Supra that I previously had) that aftermarket parts don’t usually work as well. I can order OEM parts online for approximately the same, or not very much more, than aftermarket parts, for most of them. My Jeep doesn’t seem to care, so I usually get whatever aftermarket part is easiest to get at the time. The Asian vehicles seem to be a lot more picky.

[Ingvar]

Many “aftermarket” manufacturers are exactly same people that make OEM parts. Then they obtain license for market resale of the same parts from car manufacturer and here ya go – same part, just much less. Not all manufacturers sell those licenses, Mazda won’t, so you have to cope with horrendous parts pricing and dealer only from Mazda.
That being said, your job is to find those same guys that make those parts and buy from them. Go to toyotanation forum, you’ll easily find links to on;line retailers like this.
Btw, been a year since wife’s LexusRx300 runs on FOUR “cheap” ignition packs from O’Reilly – for quarter of OEM list price. Frugality is good.

[Will]

It is hit or miss. I have had aftermarket parts that were an improvement on the original and OEM parts that were defective right out of the box.
Normally you will be safer with OEM parts and it is worth checking the dealer price before looking aftermarket. Sometimes you will be surprised and find the dealer part is cheaper. There are also many sources of cheap new OEM parts on the internet if you are willing to look around.

That being said usually aftermarket is cheaper and, if you get a reputable brand, you can save a lot of money. Normally you get what you pay for and if you see something that is way out of line price wise you will probably be getting cheap Chinese crap.

As ukrkoz says, check the message boards and reviews of the parts to find ones that people are happy with. Certain car specific specialty items like ECUs, brake skid computers, abs modules are ridiculously expensive at the dealer and will be impossible to find aftermarket. You’re better off seeing if the item can be rebuilt or if you can get a used one off ebay or at a wreckers yard.

[Will]

By the way. What part of the cooling system are you looking for? Radiator?

AISIN is normally a good brand. I think Beck Arnley is okay too. I’ve had some quality issues with A1 Cardone.

I often check Rock Auto and pick one of the items towards the more expensive end of the list.

[artur]

I was entertaining the idea of a custom cooling system.
I already have suspension and brakes custom so yeah.
They replaced fan clutch and let me go but it didn’t change a thing. Lazy bastards. Still overheats.
So, I take it back on Monday. I already wrote a love letter to head of the service so they’re waiting.

[Matt]

From my experience, Beck/Arnley doesn’t make their own parts. They typically rebox OE parts.

[Mike]

The real issue here is counterfeit parts. They’ve gotten into every part of the wholesale and retail supply chain, and are even showing up in dealer stock, in counterfeit “factory” packaging.

As has already been said, it’s hit or miss. These days, you have no guarantee of anything, regardless of the name on the box.

[artur]

So I talked to the shop and This is what FJ radiator looks like.
The problem is engine goes up to 197 F and just about half an hour later i suddenly goes beyond 217 F.
NO one knows why. Thermostat is good, fan clutch is new and is good, water pump is good. Behavior is strange.
The main suspect my be radiator.

Check the picture they send me.

Any ideas

[artur]

So, I got it back from the repair.
It’s fixed or is it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y_DqQUizrQ

[Author]

Replies