Original vs. Aftermarket Parts: Which is Best?

Hello everyone!!

After noticing that the noises at the front axle of my B4 were getting louder, I recently lifted my car and took a closer look at the joints.
And what do I need to determine in that process ?
After 27,000 km (less than a year), the left ball joint has significant play, and the right tie rod end is also worn out after 15,000 km.
In addition, the shock absorber mounts already have some play. (However, I must say that the new ones also have a slight amount of play.)
I used aftermarket replacement parts back then. Maybe I saved money in the wrong place. Interestingly, the left tie rod has already been used for 27,000 miles and is still completely fine. However, the broken tie rod makes a very flimsy impression compared to a good one.
Are you also experiencing quality issues? Or do you always use original replacement parts?

I think we all mostly agree on that, right? Original parts are definitely more expensive, but they are significantly better. And for parts like those, I would never resort to cheap alternatives. It's a real shame to get your hands dirty with that kind of thing...

But look at it this way, you learn from your mistakes.

P.S.: Is your car lowered?

DocSnydor wrote:

P.S.: Is your car lowered?

caught
But not too much.
Yeah, yeah, I know. It's my own fault. Cheap parts and higher stress, that can't last long.

But if the parts are significantly better, then I will use them, and I hope they last longer this time.

Hello!

"Yesterday, I picked up 2 ball joints, 2 tie rod ends, and 2 shock absorber mounts from the dealer. It cost 230 euros. Well, it's not exactly cheap, but..."

My Audi is running again like it just came out of the factory!!!!

That just leaves the problem with the clutch...

So, what I'm about to tell you is something a certified automotive mechanic once told me:

Audi (let's just use Audi as an example) has its suppliers inspect the parts they provide, using the latest testing methods available on the market.
If the parts do not meet Audi's standards, they are returned to the supplier and then enter the aftermarket parts trade. While these companies also inspect the parts, they often lack the same level of precision in their testing equipment, and may sometimes accept parts of 'lower' quality to reduce the price from the supplier.

I can't say for sure whether this is 100% accurate, but I have experienced it with a few items.

That sounds quite interesting.

I was particularly surprised that the rubber on the original parts was coated with something (wax or something similar). Apparently, this is to prevent them from becoming brittle during storage.
Here's what's also interesting: the tie rods are made of plastic! (The reproduction is made of metal). But that doesn't necessarily mean they're worse. Only time will tell. If anything else breaks, I'll post my experiences.

My brother-in-law works for a company that does work for Porsche. They are extremely meticulous (for those not from Oberlausitz, they scrutinize everything and complain about the smallest mistakes). Most of the original parts are already excellent.
I'm having two S-Line rims straightened (to correct runout). When I called, they said the rims were beautiful and made of great material, but they were too expensive.

Hello everyone,
Regarding my opinion:
Anything I can only get from a specific store, I am (forced to) buy there.
'However, if I can also get the parts from a specialized automotive retailer, I will buy them there, but I am very selective about the manufacturers; that is, for example, I simply don't want ATU's own brand or Champion oil filters. If it says Knecht, Mann, Hummel, or Mahle, then it is guaranteed to be okay.'
Especially since manufacturers also risk losing their reputation, and a good reputation has to come from somewhere.

If the suspension parts fail again within a short period (e.g., 27,000 km) , I would simply file a complaint about them.
Then you'll still have twice the work, but at least not twice the expenses.
There's also something called product liability...

I completely avoid stores like ATU; they shouldn't even call themselves automotive supply stores, especially since they have no real knowledge and offer very little quality material.
Best regards,
Alex.

Well, I wouldn't buy anything like that from ATU anyway.
Too bad I don't have any more receipts.
The price of original parts is 1.5 to 2 times higher. So, if it lasts twice as long, it's already a worthwhile investment (considering the labor costs alone).
So, I only buy original parts from now on.

I only buy from 'VAG partners,' which is something I can't get from other parts suppliers.
However, I've been getting my supplies from the same source for more than 25 years, and I pay attention to...
I've already contacted the parts manufacturer. My experiences so far have been mostly positive.
However, I definitely avoid certain manufacturers, especially for brake pads, brake discs, or exhaust systems. Furthermore, I would never buy parts from eBay or any online retailers. Because of my long-standing loyalty to my 'dealer,' I still get good deals.
make the product readily available, avoid any hassle with potential returns or exchanges, and...
He can also utilize his expertise in the procurement process.

I'm really fed up with this 'bargain hunter mentality' that's been so prevalent lately.
Spirit. I prefer long-term suppliers because, based on my experience,
The customer service is correct. If that is not the case, the supplier receives it.
Said. If no change occurs, then goodbye!! This has worked perfectly for decades!!

Jürgen wrote:

I only buy from a "VAG partner," which is something I can't get from other parts retailers. However, I've been getting my supplies from the same source for more or less 25 years, and I pay attention to... I have already contacted the parts manufacturer. My experiences so far have been mostly positive.

Hi fellow mechanics,

I can also confirm this statement. There are definitely parts suppliers that provide the same parts as VW. I have never received a "bad" part from my parts supplier in Wiesbaden (I repair everything myself, from control arms to valve stem seals). It all depends on where you buy from.

And even at VW, not everything is of high quality: issues include a faulty solenoid valve for turbocharger pressure regulation, front axle problems with the Passat, and cracked timing chains, among other things.

I wouldn't have thought that so many people would have something to say about it .

But I, as an amateur mechanic (relatively recently), can't judge the quality of the various manufacturers. Would it be possible for you to tell me which ones are good? Where do you buy your parts?
I hope this doesn't violate the forum's rules.

Hi,
What about the plastic tie rods?
They are not from the parts trade!
Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

'MFG' is an abbreviation for 'mit freundlichen Grüßen,' which means 'best regards' or 'sincerely.' It is commonly used in German-language emails and letters.