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Time is money in any business. It cost you to have to go over things a second time especially when it could have been addressed in the first place. I am beginning to realize that it is so important to EXTINGUISH problems when you have the opportunity.
Aftermarket stuff can cause some real issues from installation to performance and anything in the middle. Right now I use mainly dealer manufactured components. It really makes a noticeable difference. For example, on my Ford E-250 I use manly Motorcraft parts, particularly for the brake system. It’s always nice to WOW the customer when you work on their vehicle and solve their issue the first time.
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Yes, aftermarket parts CAN ultimately cost the customer more, but on average they still save money. It must be addressed on a case by case basis. There are reputable independent parts manufacturers whose products meet or exceed the OEM specifications, and of course, Ford uses many of them to produce its own parts.
I agree with Hokiedad. I have noticed some aftermarket parts are better then oem. (particularly with Dodge) Sometimes there is a problem with the oem part that an aftermarket company addresses.
On my Toyota Corolla and 4Runner, for example, require OEM electrical parts that the computer reads or it will throw a code. They are very particular. :blink:
My 1998 E150 does not like front rotors ! With about 105K, I’m on my 4th set of front rotors. Admittedly, ALL of them were aftermarket. They seem to last 2-3 years before the pulsation are unbearable !
Last pair I installed were Raybestos Advanced Technology rotors. These are the “middle grade” for Raybestos and the pair are got were made in US and Canada. Their “top of the line” are drilled and slotted. Their low end have an “R” suffix.
I agree that you generally can’t go wrong with OE parts, but if you can figure out whom the supplier is, and just shop for that brand vs. Motorcraft/Mopar, etc. you get the same part a lot cheaper.
[quote=”johnzcarz” post=56464]I agree that you generally can’t go wrong with OE parts, but if you can figure out whom the supplier is, and just shop for that brand vs. Motorcraft/Mopar, etc. you get the same part a lot cheaper.[/quote]
The trick is find the original supplier, or at least a good quality alternative.I used to buy cheap brake pads at O’Reilly’s or AutoZone. Now I stick with “name brands” like Wagner or Raybestos. Less brake dust, longer life.
It all depends on what parts you’re talking about when it comes to OEM vs after market. Most times, the after market manufacturer is that same manufacturers that made the OEM part. For example Exedy for drive train components.
Unless you need a part that is really hard to get, [b]you are wasting your money going to the dealer and buying OEM.
[/b]Here’s my qualification -some after market parts are crap and yo9u can’t tell, BUT OEM does not guaranty that your part is any better.
Here’s the kicker, for parts that don’t really sell well, the parts companies will outsource their manufacturing to a company that makes them and sometimes, it’s just one or two companies in China, Korea or God knows where.
In other words, you have no choice but to buy after market and MAYBE crap.
My Dad is a retired auto engineer who has worked for just about all of them and the stories …
The automotive industry has undergone some serious consolidation several years ago. It’s common for the exact same parts to appear in a Mercedes, Audi, Buick, Chevy, Kia, and any really cheap car.
Some parts stores will list all the cars that a certain part fits. Go ahead and read that sometime. It’s a REAL eye opener!
Here’s what I do: compare part numbers. Many distributors are too lazy to use their own part numbers. You’ll see for example clutch kits from many different suppliers using 4161 – that’s an Exedy part number. MAYBE there’s a duplicate – MAYBE – but the components are exact in design.
And then there are horrible manufacturing runs where a bunch of parts come out crappy – for many reasons.
What I’m trying to say is that you can’t tell.
[quote=”forklifttech” post=56646]are you sure your proportioning valve is working correctly?
that question is to theoldwizard1[/quote]
No way to know for sure.
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