Motorfactors and parts rant

[Easy_Rider]

Getting really cheesed off with the downward quality of parts now from motor factors and parts suppliers. Apart from getting my order wrong every time, this time sending me a clutch release bearing for a Transit rather than a Peugeot 205, but parts that break or cause other problems.

This time a water pump, initial impression was why has is got 6 blades instead of the old 8 and why only 3 intake holes instead of 4, no matter i'm sure it'll be fine. Go to fit and the holes don't quite line up which means getting the last bolt in a bit fiddly, but in it goes. Then down to tightening the last bolt and the head clean snaps off :evil:

Have another look at the pump flange and it's significantly thinner than the old which means the bolts are going in further into the block! And in this case hitting the end FFS!! Now i've got a right pain in the arse job to do just because some company wanted to save a few pennies on materials!

The number of crap parts i've had recently, hand brake cables that arrive ready split, exhausts that haven't been fully welded and I had one that blew the silencer inside out. Driveshafts that last 10k miles, starters that last a year, head gaskets that won't seal, list is endless. I used to buy OEM from the dealers for everything when I could afford it, but i'm certainly not buying the cheapest parts now, just bog standards replacement parts.

Rant over, not looking forward to getting that bolt out.

 

[legrandefromage]

I've put cheap and cheerful MAP & MAF sensors in my 'Dub

I wonder how long they will last.

 

[Easy_Rider]

I've put cheap and cheerful MAP & MAF sensors in my 'Dub

I wonder how long they will last.

Brand new indicator relay lasted 4 weeks... i went and got another from a scrappy and it's still working a year later.

 

[hamster]

Too many people buying on price alone I guess.

I had an exhaust system for my 306 XSi which failed under guarantee after 18 months - which they replaced after an argument - they'd claimed I had bashed the exhaust.
Anyway, the replacement split in exactly the same place 18 months later...

...replaced with a decent Walker one and no further trouble for 3+ years. The Walker also clearly fitted better with the correct bend angles etc. The other one was just trash.

 

[REKIBorter]

Unfortunatley, as with most things, buying cheap does not always work out best.

 

[Neil]

I've put cheap and cheerful MAP & MAF sensors in my 'Dub

I wonder how long they will last.

MAP, probably a while. MAF, rather less.

 

[Ziggy]

Always worth checking the dealer prices... you might be pleasantly surprised! They're actually cheaper quite often.

 

[EarlofBarnet]

Having a trade club account at Halfords and my local Vauxhall dealer does prove fruitful. Really good discounts which can be cheaper than factor prices. Think an oil filter for my Vectra is around £1.20 via trade club account at Vauxhall dealership. Result

 

[Steve Kish]

I know how you feel!!

I used to get a lot of my parts from Roversport from Cowley, the competition wing of MG Rover. They closed down when BMW bought Rover and re-opened in Longbridge as MG Sport & Racing .... and these guys were useless!

I once needed a part that they couldn't identify. I e-mailed them the correct part number and even attached a digi photo of it on the car. This was a mounting bracket for the sunroof winder .... the twunts sent me a door pocket! :evil:

 

[Easy_Rider]

Unfortunatley, as with most things, buying cheap does not always work out best.

I don't buy the cheapest.
I find dealers a total pain to use if you don't have a matey rapour with the parts guy. They are a total pain in the arse even to get a price to compare. Luckily Citroen and Peugeot have their parts diagram system online so I find the part number and call with it, but even that can be an arse and they still make mistakes.