Happens all the time. Had a customer buy a radiator from a local dealer. He brought it to me to install it. It was in a 1800 radiator box. I could have sold him that cheaper.
Car dealers may not be selling OEM parts?
- Thread starter Ed_Flecko
- Start date
- Status
Originally Posted by kschachn
The Bando belts I just got for my ECHO appeared identical to the Toyota branded ones I had bought before, except for not saying Toyota on them. The Bando lettering was the same.
All of the Honda and Toyota serpentine belts that I have purchased from the dealer have a fabric-like material on the non-ribbed side. All of the aftermarket Bando belts from Rockauto and Worldpac use a smoother rubber coating.
The Bando belts I just got for my ECHO appeared identical to the Toyota branded ones I had bought before, except for not saying Toyota on them. The Bando lettering was the same.
All of the Honda and Toyota serpentine belts that I have purchased from the dealer have a fabric-like material on the non-ribbed side. All of the aftermarket Bando belts from Rockauto and Worldpac use a smoother rubber coating.
No its not true at a authorized dealer, they have to sell OE parts, its in their contract. Sure they can do it but if the manufacturer rep get complaints about it, the dung is in the fan.
Last edited:
Originally Posted by Trav
No its not true at a authorized dealer, they have to sell OE parts, its in their contract. Sure they can do it but if the manufacturer rep get complaints about it, the dung is in the fan.
Oh you mean the fit hits the shan?
Ed
No its not true at a authorized dealer, they have to sell OE parts, its in their contract. Sure they can do it but if the manufacturer rep get complaints about it, the dung is in the fan.
Oh you mean the fit hits the shan?
Ed
Yeah for real. I have seen with my own eyes the fiasco when a slightly shady dealer (not a full on crook) played games in the parts and service dept, the zone rep was there doing his nut.
Parts you order from the dealer are often called OE or Service parts. Our service parts for mufflers are identical to OE except sometimes manufacture methods change. In production mode we use robot welders and hi tech gauges including leak testing. Service parts normally are made in a manual weld booth and the gauge may no longer exist but the shop guys are much more tolerant to make it work vs the occasional lazy factory guys that don't want to push on it to make it work. They use lift assists and spend tons of money on ergonomics and safety to prevent repetitive task injuries.
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by 01rangerxl
Some things like brake pads have grades, but we always disclose what grade you're getting.
Otherwise, whatever we sell over the counter as a GM part is the part GM would require if they were fixing it under warranty.
Are GM parts sold at the dealer labeled as "GM" or "ACDelco" or whomever actually makes the part?
Some are only labeled as "GM Genuine" and only use the GM 8 digit part number. Some parts have an alternate ACDelco number and may be in ACDelco packaging, but are still considered GM Genuine and are what GM would use to repair the car under warranty. Then there are the ACDelco aftermarket grade parts, which will have a grade on the packaging such as "Advantage" or "Professional." We do stock some wipers and brake pads like this if we sell enough of them, but tell the customer it's an aftermarket grade replacement and not GM Genuine.
Examples...
This is a GM Genuine part that does not have an alternate ACDelco #. Notice there is a line for an ACDelco #, but they just use the GM number again. There is no AC Delco branding anywhere on the box (probably a small logo under the yellow sticker)...
![[Linked Image]](https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/attachments/usergals/2019/04/full-12308-31389-img_20190402_174610767.jpg "[Linked Image]")
This is a GM Genuine part that is also sold as ACDelco. Notice ACDelco packaging, and an alternate ACDelco number. However, there is no grade indicator such as "Professional" or "Advantage." This particular part is a fuel pump lock ring that GM has been replacing under recall. Sometimes they come in cardboard boxes, sometimes in the ACDelco bags.
![[Linked Image]](https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/attachments/usergals/2019/04/full-12308-31390-img_20190402_174653353.jpg "[Linked Image]")
Here is a transmission electronic control (part of valve body) that is a GM Genuine part and also sold as ACDelco. Note that it states "GM OE" on the box, and only uses the GM 8 digit number, there isn't an ACDelco alternate. This is what GM would specify to repair a vehicle under warranty...
![[Linked Image]](https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/attachments/usergals/2019/04/full-12308-31391-img_20190402_174939113.jpg "[Linked Image]")
Lastly, here is an example of ACDelco aftermarket brake pad set. Note it clearly says "Professional." These pads have both a GM 8 digit number and an ACDelco number, but they are NOT a GM Genuine part. These would not be acceptable for warranty work (GM would kick the claim back). GM Genuine pads TYPICALLY come in a plain cardboard box, but they may have an ACDelco alternate number on the label.
![[Linked Image]](https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/attachments/usergals/2019/04/full-12308-31392-img_20190402_175118073.jpg "[Linked Image]")
Confused yet? Basically if a GM dealer sells you an ACDelco part that either says "GM OE" or doesn't mention a grade at all, it's "GM Genuine" and the highest grade of part they can get and what GM specifies. Anything in "Professional" or "Advantage" packaging is aftermarket.
This is how GM shows the grades in our parts catalog...
![[Linked Image]](https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/attachments/usergals/2019/04/full-12308-31393-img_20190402_180557962.jpg "[Linked Image]")
If you want to be sure, ask the counterperson what it says under the "brand" column.
Originally Posted by Ed_Flecko
O.K., so that's like if your vehicle is in for service and the mechanic needs parts, he's going to grab the same part as the one you'd sell over the counter to another person. Correct? I mean, it's not like the dealership keeps two versions of parts - one for the general public and another for the shop mechanics.
Ed
Correct. We may have two grades of certain parts like the brake pads above, but regardless of which counter the part is sold over, we are very clear about which grade it is. Brake pads and wipers are really the only things where we might stock the ACDelco aftermarket lines. A lot of people balk at the price of GM Genuine pads, so we have some fast moving Professional pads in stock so we have something to offer.
One more thing to note, I *THINK* the GM hologram sticker is only used on parts that are considered "GM Genuine," but I am not positive on that. The holograms are a more recent thing, so a lot of older parts don't have them.
Originally Posted by 01rangerxl
Some things like brake pads have grades, but we always disclose what grade you're getting.
Otherwise, whatever we sell over the counter as a GM part is the part GM would require if they were fixing it under warranty.
Are GM parts sold at the dealer labeled as "GM" or "ACDelco" or whomever actually makes the part?
Some are only labeled as "GM Genuine" and only use the GM 8 digit part number. Some parts have an alternate ACDelco number and may be in ACDelco packaging, but are still considered GM Genuine and are what GM would use to repair the car under warranty. Then there are the ACDelco aftermarket grade parts, which will have a grade on the packaging such as "Advantage" or "Professional." We do stock some wipers and brake pads like this if we sell enough of them, but tell the customer it's an aftermarket grade replacement and not GM Genuine.
Examples...
This is a GM Genuine part that does not have an alternate ACDelco #. Notice there is a line for an ACDelco #, but they just use the GM number again. There is no AC Delco branding anywhere on the box (probably a small logo under the yellow sticker)...
This is a GM Genuine part that is also sold as ACDelco. Notice ACDelco packaging, and an alternate ACDelco number. However, there is no grade indicator such as "Professional" or "Advantage." This particular part is a fuel pump lock ring that GM has been replacing under recall. Sometimes they come in cardboard boxes, sometimes in the ACDelco bags.
Here is a transmission electronic control (part of valve body) that is a GM Genuine part and also sold as ACDelco. Note that it states "GM OE" on the box, and only uses the GM 8 digit number, there isn't an ACDelco alternate. This is what GM would specify to repair a vehicle under warranty...
Lastly, here is an example of ACDelco aftermarket brake pad set. Note it clearly says "Professional." These pads have both a GM 8 digit number and an ACDelco number, but they are NOT a GM Genuine part. These would not be acceptable for warranty work (GM would kick the claim back). GM Genuine pads TYPICALLY come in a plain cardboard box, but they may have an ACDelco alternate number on the label.
Confused yet? Basically if a GM dealer sells you an ACDelco part that either says "GM OE" or doesn't mention a grade at all, it's "GM Genuine" and the highest grade of part they can get and what GM specifies. Anything in "Professional" or "Advantage" packaging is aftermarket.
This is how GM shows the grades in our parts catalog...
If you want to be sure, ask the counterperson what it says under the "brand" column.
Originally Posted by Ed_Flecko
O.K., so that's like if your vehicle is in for service and the mechanic needs parts, he's going to grab the same part as the one you'd sell over the counter to another person. Correct? I mean, it's not like the dealership keeps two versions of parts - one for the general public and another for the shop mechanics.
Ed
Correct. We may have two grades of certain parts like the brake pads above, but regardless of which counter the part is sold over, we are very clear about which grade it is. Brake pads and wipers are really the only things where we might stock the ACDelco aftermarket lines. A lot of people balk at the price of GM Genuine pads, so we have some fast moving Professional pads in stock so we have something to offer.
One more thing to note, I *THINK* the GM hologram sticker is only used on parts that are considered "GM Genuine," but I am not positive on that. The holograms are a more recent thing, so a lot of older parts don't have them.
Last edited:
Ford is the same way. The blue label parts are Ford OE and the red label parts are Motorcraft. Some parts are only blue label. Some Motorcraft parts are actually Ford OE. You go by the middle part of the long number which is the base number that a Ford parts person has to memorize.
The only non OE parts we sell all the time are remote batteries, mostly because they are listed as "acquire locally." We have ordered parts from some vendors who advertise that they are genuine for both Ford and Mazda however when they come in they are junk white box. They will sell us Mazda remotes but you can tell immediately they are ebay junk as the seagull emblem is flawed. I will call their rep immediately and tell them I have pulled the PO from accounting and they can either have me ship them back on their own dime or I will throw them away for them.
The only non OE parts we sell all the time are remote batteries, mostly because they are listed as "acquire locally." We have ordered parts from some vendors who advertise that they are genuine for both Ford and Mazda however when they come in they are junk white box. They will sell us Mazda remotes but you can tell immediately they are ebay junk as the seagull emblem is flawed. I will call their rep immediately and tell them I have pulled the PO from accounting and they can either have me ship them back on their own dime or I will throw them away for them.
Originally Posted by Ed_Flecko
Originally Posted by bmwpowere36m3
Automobile manufacturers switch suppliers.... as such, todays OE part might be manufactured by company X and at the time of assembly was company Y. However the quality standards should be the same.
I see it as:
Genuine/OE: Parts made to automobile manufacture specs, sold/labeled/warrantied by automobile manufacturer
OEM: Parts made to same automobile manufacture specs, but sold and warrantied by the supplier
Aftermarket: Parts made to specs determine by supplier (possibly better, usually worse).
O.K., so by your definition you would consider NAPA parts, for example, as an OEM part?
Ed
No, NAPA just buys their parts from other manufacturers.
However, IMO at least, NAPA branded is consistently the best quality of the major auto parts chains for their house brand parts.
NAPA oil is Valvoline (and generally MUCH cheaper) their filters are WIX (at around the same price), their brakes are Raybestos (for more but possibly better quality, lower runout specs on NAPA vs Raybestos branded) and I think their batteries are East Penn/DEKA.
Originally Posted by bmwpowere36m3
Automobile manufacturers switch suppliers.... as such, todays OE part might be manufactured by company X and at the time of assembly was company Y. However the quality standards should be the same.
I see it as:
Genuine/OE: Parts made to automobile manufacture specs, sold/labeled/warrantied by automobile manufacturer
OEM: Parts made to same automobile manufacture specs, but sold and warrantied by the supplier
Aftermarket: Parts made to specs determine by supplier (possibly better, usually worse).
O.K., so by your definition you would consider NAPA parts, for example, as an OEM part?
Ed
No, NAPA just buys their parts from other manufacturers.
However, IMO at least, NAPA branded is consistently the best quality of the major auto parts chains for their house brand parts.
NAPA oil is Valvoline (and generally MUCH cheaper) their filters are WIX (at around the same price), their brakes are Raybestos (for more but possibly better quality, lower runout specs on NAPA vs Raybestos branded) and I think their batteries are East Penn/DEKA.
It works like this:
Ford awards contract for 1st tier parts to supplier, usually during the production of the car model, the OEM supplier, also supplies the dealer parts.(since they are building them anyway, nobody else will compete) then a new model year comes and the current model is retried.
OEM 1st tier products cease, then there is a separate service contract, usually 10 years or so, Ford could award it to the OE supplier, or the OE gets out bidden and the Ford owned fixtures are shipped to Taiwan, everyone is different.
A very low volume service contract would not be attractive to a OEM 1st tier parts supplier, but they might get stuck with it if there is no other bid.
Toyota I know, typically allows the 1st tier OEM supplier to supply dealer service parts, they tend to be very loyal to their "system", GM is messed up since taking Government money. Not only that, remember Delphi, and Guide Corp? Originally GM, and they just spun them off, to disaster.
Ford awards contract for 1st tier parts to supplier, usually during the production of the car model, the OEM supplier, also supplies the dealer parts.(since they are building them anyway, nobody else will compete) then a new model year comes and the current model is retried.
OEM 1st tier products cease, then there is a separate service contract, usually 10 years or so, Ford could award it to the OE supplier, or the OE gets out bidden and the Ford owned fixtures are shipped to Taiwan, everyone is different.
A very low volume service contract would not be attractive to a OEM 1st tier parts supplier, but they might get stuck with it if there is no other bid.
Toyota I know, typically allows the 1st tier OEM supplier to supply dealer service parts, they tend to be very loyal to their "system", GM is messed up since taking Government money. Not only that, remember Delphi, and Guide Corp? Originally GM, and they just spun them off, to disaster.
Last edited:
When I worked at GM we had an Isuzu (S10) came off the truck with no oil pressure with 1 mile on it. They sent an engine off the assembly line for me to install so they didn't have to disclose engine change or shorten warranty. After install and test drive rep brought inspector which he signed off as well as myself. Orginal engine was sent back to see what happened and who passed orginal inspection. Came with everything from factory completed for factory install. Big pain in technician behind but taught me how to take pride in what you do. I did lots used cars and if GM it got GM OE or OEM parts.
Last edited:
Originally Posted by UG_Passat
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by Ed_Flecko
I like listening to the podcast titled "The Automotive Hour" hosted by Louis Altazan and co-host Brian Terry (http://agcoauto.com/content/radio).
I was listening to one of the podcasts in which a caller said he wanted to replace some of his hoses and wanted the OEM hoses because he believes they're the best quality. Louis Altazan told the caller that even though the caller is going to the GM dealer and buying parts, they're very likely buying an aftermarket part and not the OEM part, just like the parts that the vehicle was first produced with. That seems hard for me to believe.
Is this true?
Ed
My understanding is that there are three types of parts.
#1 Genuine (Packaging and part itself is labeled with automobile manufacturer)
#2 OE (The current manufacturer of the part itself but w/out the automobile manufacturer labeling)
#3 OEM (An original manufacturer of automotive parts.)
So the real question was whether Louis speaking about an OE part (ex ACDELCO) when he said "aftermarket"?
So, in OEM, that does OE stand for?
#2 OE: Original Equipment, as installed at the factory, which is made by the #3 Original Equipment Manufacturer.
#1 Genuine parts, most parts are made by a #3, with the exception such as Body parts, since the automaker would invest in stamping equipment to stamp the body parts in-house.
You can buy aftermarket parts made by an OEM, which the difference between aftermarket and Genuine is the manufacturer's markings and their marked up prices.
So, for example, Mann-hummel can sell oil filters aftermarket to shops and consumers and sell the similar spec'd oil filter to the automaker for OE installation (at the factory) and as Genuine service parts, with the main difference of manufacturer markings and packaging.
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacture, It does not mean THE original equipment manufacturer for the specific part but AN original equipment manufacture.
OE = Original Equipment (i.e. factory part).
Hypothetical example,
Delphi and Bosch both sell ignition coils to the general public which fit BMW engines. BMW engines come from the factory with Delphi coils and Bosch spark plugs. Delphi is the OE for the coils. Bosch is an OEM for the coils and an OE for the spark plugs. Delphi coils in BMW branded packaging are "Genuine".
https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/oe-academy
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by Ed_Flecko
I like listening to the podcast titled "The Automotive Hour" hosted by Louis Altazan and co-host Brian Terry (http://agcoauto.com/content/radio).
I was listening to one of the podcasts in which a caller said he wanted to replace some of his hoses and wanted the OEM hoses because he believes they're the best quality. Louis Altazan told the caller that even though the caller is going to the GM dealer and buying parts, they're very likely buying an aftermarket part and not the OEM part, just like the parts that the vehicle was first produced with. That seems hard for me to believe.
Is this true?
Ed
My understanding is that there are three types of parts.
#1 Genuine (Packaging and part itself is labeled with automobile manufacturer)
#2 OE (The current manufacturer of the part itself but w/out the automobile manufacturer labeling)
#3 OEM (An original manufacturer of automotive parts.)
So the real question was whether Louis speaking about an OE part (ex ACDELCO) when he said "aftermarket"?
So, in OEM, that does OE stand for?
#2 OE: Original Equipment, as installed at the factory, which is made by the #3 Original Equipment Manufacturer.
#1 Genuine parts, most parts are made by a #3, with the exception such as Body parts, since the automaker would invest in stamping equipment to stamp the body parts in-house.
You can buy aftermarket parts made by an OEM, which the difference between aftermarket and Genuine is the manufacturer's markings and their marked up prices.
So, for example, Mann-hummel can sell oil filters aftermarket to shops and consumers and sell the similar spec'd oil filter to the automaker for OE installation (at the factory) and as Genuine service parts, with the main difference of manufacturer markings and packaging.
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacture, It does not mean THE original equipment manufacturer for the specific part but AN original equipment manufacture.
OE = Original Equipment (i.e. factory part).
Hypothetical example,
Delphi and Bosch both sell ignition coils to the general public which fit BMW engines. BMW engines come from the factory with Delphi coils and Bosch spark plugs. Delphi is the OE for the coils. Bosch is an OEM for the coils and an OE for the spark plugs. Delphi coils in BMW branded packaging are "Genuine".
https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/oe-academy
Last edited:
Originally Posted by 01rangerxl
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by 01rangerxl
Some things like brake pads have grades, but we always disclose what grade you're getting.
Otherwise, whatever we sell over the counter as a GM part is the part GM would require if they were fixing it under warranty.
Are GM parts sold at the dealer labeled as "GM" or "ACDelco" or whomever actually makes the part?
Some are only labeled as "GM Genuine" and only use the GM 8 digit part number. Some parts have an alternate ACDelco number and may be in ACDelco packaging, but are still considered GM Genuine and are what GM would use to repair the car under warranty. Then there are the ACDelco aftermarket grade parts, which will have a grade on the packaging such as "Advantage" or "Professional." We do stock some wipers and brake pads like this if we sell enough of them, but tell the customer it's an aftermarket grade replacement and not GM Genuine.
Examples...
This is a GM Genuine part that does not have an alternate ACDelco #. Notice there is a line for an ACDelco #, but they just use the GM number again. There is no AC Delco branding anywhere on the box (probably a small logo under the yellow sticker)...
This is a GM Genuine part that is also sold as ACDelco. Notice ACDelco packaging, and an alternate ACDelco number. However, there is no grade indicator such as "Professional" or "Advantage." This particular part is a fuel pump lock ring that GM has been replacing under recall. Sometimes they come in cardboard boxes, sometimes in the ACDelco bags.
Here is a transmission electronic control (part of valve body) that is a GM Genuine part and also sold as ACDelco. Note that it states "GM OE" on the box, and only uses the GM 8 digit number, there isn't an ACDelco alternate. This is what GM would specify to repair a vehicle under warranty...
Lastly, here is an example of ACDelco aftermarket brake pad set. Note it clearly says "Professional." These pads have both a GM 8 digit number and an ACDelco number, but they are NOT a GM Genuine part. These would not be acceptable for warranty work (GM would kick the claim back). GM Genuine pads TYPICALLY come in a plain cardboard box, but they may have an ACDelco alternate number on the label.
Confused yet? Basically if a GM dealer sells you an ACDelco part that either says "GM OE" or doesn't mention a grade at all, it's "GM Genuine" and the highest grade of part they can get and what GM specifies. Anything in "Professional" or "Advantage" packaging is aftermarket.
This is how GM shows the grades in our parts catalog...
If you want to be sure, ask the counterperson what it says under the "brand" column.
Originally Posted by Ed_Flecko
O.K., so that's like if your vehicle is in for service and the mechanic needs parts, he's going to grab the same part as the one you'd sell over the counter to another person. Correct? I mean, it's not like the dealership keeps two versions of parts - one for the general public and another for the shop mechanics.
Ed
Correct. We may have two grades of certain parts like the brake pads above, but regardless of which counter the part is sold over, we are very clear about which grade it is. Brake pads and wipers are really the only things where we might stock the ACDelco aftermarket lines. A lot of people balk at the price of GM Genuine pads, so we have some fast moving Professional pads in stock so we have something to offer.
One more thing to note, I *THINK* the GM hologram sticker is only used on parts that are considered "GM Genuine," but I am not positive on that. The holograms are a more recent thing, so a lot of older parts don't have them.
Thank you...this is great information!
Do you think, "in your humble opinion", that the OE parts are better quality than aftermarket parts? I'm one of those people who thinks, with very few exceptions, that you're always better to use OE parts. "I" think that you're just less likely to have problems.
Finally, is there anywhere online to buy GM OE parts or do you have to go to a dealer?
Ed
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by 01rangerxl
Some things like brake pads have grades, but we always disclose what grade you're getting.
Otherwise, whatever we sell over the counter as a GM part is the part GM would require if they were fixing it under warranty.
Are GM parts sold at the dealer labeled as "GM" or "ACDelco" or whomever actually makes the part?
Some are only labeled as "GM Genuine" and only use the GM 8 digit part number. Some parts have an alternate ACDelco number and may be in ACDelco packaging, but are still considered GM Genuine and are what GM would use to repair the car under warranty. Then there are the ACDelco aftermarket grade parts, which will have a grade on the packaging such as "Advantage" or "Professional." We do stock some wipers and brake pads like this if we sell enough of them, but tell the customer it's an aftermarket grade replacement and not GM Genuine.
Examples...
This is a GM Genuine part that does not have an alternate ACDelco #. Notice there is a line for an ACDelco #, but they just use the GM number again. There is no AC Delco branding anywhere on the box (probably a small logo under the yellow sticker)...
This is a GM Genuine part that is also sold as ACDelco. Notice ACDelco packaging, and an alternate ACDelco number. However, there is no grade indicator such as "Professional" or "Advantage." This particular part is a fuel pump lock ring that GM has been replacing under recall. Sometimes they come in cardboard boxes, sometimes in the ACDelco bags.
Here is a transmission electronic control (part of valve body) that is a GM Genuine part and also sold as ACDelco. Note that it states "GM OE" on the box, and only uses the GM 8 digit number, there isn't an ACDelco alternate. This is what GM would specify to repair a vehicle under warranty...
Lastly, here is an example of ACDelco aftermarket brake pad set. Note it clearly says "Professional." These pads have both a GM 8 digit number and an ACDelco number, but they are NOT a GM Genuine part. These would not be acceptable for warranty work (GM would kick the claim back). GM Genuine pads TYPICALLY come in a plain cardboard box, but they may have an ACDelco alternate number on the label.
Confused yet? Basically if a GM dealer sells you an ACDelco part that either says "GM OE" or doesn't mention a grade at all, it's "GM Genuine" and the highest grade of part they can get and what GM specifies. Anything in "Professional" or "Advantage" packaging is aftermarket.
This is how GM shows the grades in our parts catalog...
If you want to be sure, ask the counterperson what it says under the "brand" column.
Originally Posted by Ed_Flecko
O.K., so that's like if your vehicle is in for service and the mechanic needs parts, he's going to grab the same part as the one you'd sell over the counter to another person. Correct? I mean, it's not like the dealership keeps two versions of parts - one for the general public and another for the shop mechanics.
Ed
Correct. We may have two grades of certain parts like the brake pads above, but regardless of which counter the part is sold over, we are very clear about which grade it is. Brake pads and wipers are really the only things where we might stock the ACDelco aftermarket lines. A lot of people balk at the price of GM Genuine pads, so we have some fast moving Professional pads in stock so we have something to offer.
One more thing to note, I *THINK* the GM hologram sticker is only used on parts that are considered "GM Genuine," but I am not positive on that. The holograms are a more recent thing, so a lot of older parts don't have them.
Thank you...this is great information!
Do you think, "in your humble opinion", that the OE parts are better quality than aftermarket parts? I'm one of those people who thinks, with very few exceptions, that you're always better to use OE parts. "I" think that you're just less likely to have problems.
Finally, is there anywhere online to buy GM OE parts or do you have to go to a dealer?
Ed
Originally Posted by Ed_Flecko
Finally, is there anywhere online to buy GM OE parts or do you have to go to a dealer?
Ed
GMPartsDirect and Amazon. You find out the part number and go from there.
Finally, is there anywhere online to buy GM OE parts or do you have to go to a dealer?
Ed
GMPartsDirect and Amazon. You find out the part number and go from there.
I try to use OE when it makes economic sense to on my own vehicles, and it's generally the safe choice, but it's a judgement call on every part. I wouldn't pay $150 for OE brake pads on a run of the mill vehicle if $75 premium aftermarket pads will work great. Sometimes aftermarket parts are designed to eliminate or avoid a problem the factory parts have, but as a rule of thumb, OE is my preferred choice when it makes sense.
I need to replace a heater hose on my 2002 Ranger, which Ford/Motorcraft only offers as the complete OE heater hose contraption...glued on hose clamps and all. It is better than the aftermarket replacements because it just replaces everything, has new correct size clamps that are easy to install (just release with a screw driver once the hose is on), and I know it will fit...but the lowest price on it is about $200 which is more than I care to spend on a heater hose for this truck (dented up beater), so I will chance it with a $20 something Gates hose and put up with a little more aggravation during install.
LOTS of dealers sell parts online, but I don't know who is best. If you search Google for GM parts you will get a bunch of dealer websites. Look at their contact page to figure out who the dealer is since they usually have a more generic name for their parts website.
For example...
www.gmpartsoutlet.net is Sands Chevrolet in Glendale, AZ
www.gmpartsdirect.com is Flow Chevrolet/Buick/GMC in Winston Salem, NC
www.gmpartsheadquarters.com is Buick GMC of Beaverton in Portland, OR
etc...
Basically look for a real address and GM/vehicle brand logos on the website.
Many GM Genuine/OE parts are on RockAuto, but of course so is all of the ACDelco aftermarket. I think they usually note when a part is the GM Genuine/OE Part.
I need to replace a heater hose on my 2002 Ranger, which Ford/Motorcraft only offers as the complete OE heater hose contraption...glued on hose clamps and all. It is better than the aftermarket replacements because it just replaces everything, has new correct size clamps that are easy to install (just release with a screw driver once the hose is on), and I know it will fit...but the lowest price on it is about $200 which is more than I care to spend on a heater hose for this truck (dented up beater), so I will chance it with a $20 something Gates hose and put up with a little more aggravation during install.
LOTS of dealers sell parts online, but I don't know who is best. If you search Google for GM parts you will get a bunch of dealer websites. Look at their contact page to figure out who the dealer is since they usually have a more generic name for their parts website.
For example...
www.gmpartsoutlet.net is Sands Chevrolet in Glendale, AZ
www.gmpartsdirect.com is Flow Chevrolet/Buick/GMC in Winston Salem, NC
www.gmpartsheadquarters.com is Buick GMC of Beaverton in Portland, OR
etc...
Basically look for a real address and GM/vehicle brand logos on the website.
Many GM Genuine/OE parts are on RockAuto, but of course so is all of the ACDelco aftermarket. I think they usually note when a part is the GM Genuine/OE Part.
Originally Posted by bdcardinal
Ford is the same way. The blue label parts are Ford OE and the red label parts are Motorcraft. Some parts are only blue label. Some Motorcraft parts are actually Ford OE. You go by the middle part of the long number which is the base number that a Ford parts person has to memorize.
Yep, here's a Motorcraft Ford OE oil cap...
![[Linked Image]](https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/attachments/usergals/2019/04/full-12308-31404-img_20190403_114017765.jpg "[Linked Image]")
And a blue label Ford OE air intake tube...
![[Linked Image]](https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/attachments/usergals/2019/04/full-12308-31405-img_20190403_113211300.jpg "[Linked Image]")
Both are Ford OE parts for 1991-1994 Ranger/Explorer 4.0L V6. I think our local ACDelco/Motorcraft/Mopar distributor can order and sell the oil cap, but they cannot order/sell the blue label air intake tube.
Ford is the same way. The blue label parts are Ford OE and the red label parts are Motorcraft. Some parts are only blue label. Some Motorcraft parts are actually Ford OE. You go by the middle part of the long number which is the base number that a Ford parts person has to memorize.
Yep, here's a Motorcraft Ford OE oil cap...
And a blue label Ford OE air intake tube...
Both are Ford OE parts for 1991-1994 Ranger/Explorer 4.0L V6. I think our local ACDelco/Motorcraft/Mopar distributor can order and sell the oil cap, but they cannot order/sell the blue label air intake tube.
Originally Posted by 01rangerxl
I need to replace a heater hose on my 2002 Ranger, which Ford/Motorcraft only offers as the complete OE heater hose contraption...glued on hose clamps and all. It is better than the aftermarket replacements because it just replaces everything, has new correct size clamps that are easy to install (just release with a screw driver once the hose is on), and I know it will fit...but the lowest price on it is about $200 which is more than I care to spend on a heater hose for this truck (dented up beater), so I will chance it with a $20 something Gates hose and put up with a little more aggravation during install
If you ever want to get it I can do the cost +10% deal for employees. it would end up being $221 plus whatever UPS charges me on my Ford account to get it to you. 2L5Z-18472-AD is the p/n assuming you have AC. The previous super cession was -AC and was substantially cheaper, but according to OEConnection, no-one has it anymore.
I need to replace a heater hose on my 2002 Ranger, which Ford/Motorcraft only offers as the complete OE heater hose contraption...glued on hose clamps and all. It is better than the aftermarket replacements because it just replaces everything, has new correct size clamps that are easy to install (just release with a screw driver once the hose is on), and I know it will fit...but the lowest price on it is about $200 which is more than I care to spend on a heater hose for this truck (dented up beater), so I will chance it with a $20 something Gates hose and put up with a little more aggravation during install
If you ever want to get it I can do the cost +10% deal for employees. it would end up being $221 plus whatever UPS charges me on my Ford account to get it to you. 2L5Z-18472-AD is the p/n assuming you have AC. The previous super cession was -AC and was substantially cheaper, but according to OEConnection, no-one has it anymore.
Thanks man...I'm going to try the Gates hose, but if it gives me any trouble I'll be looking at the OE one again. I'm thinking about trying to lock the OE clamps open and glue them on to the Gates hose like they are on the OE one to make the install easier.
I think it will work, I just need to be sure to orient the clamps right and figure out which glue would be best, I'm thinking rubber cement. The most aggravating part about replacing this hose is accessing the clamp on the front end.
Triple_Se7en
$50 Site Donor 2024
Some of the aftermarket parts are better than OEM. Plus, we now live in a World Economy where anyone can become a player.
Normally OE is a safe choice and will fit nicely. Aftermarket can be good and fit up nicely but sometimes not as good and may require more effort to fit and work properly. Cheaper aftermarket brake pads tend to have size issue with the backing plate that can affect how well the part moves. Sometimes ears are rough cut from the press and don't fit well in the slides. I have had to file on them to make them work. Also paint tends to be spay liquid vs powder coating and won't provide as much corrosion protection. OE is safe choice but sometimes there are known OE issues and aftermarket may be a better option. Also performance parts are different and may cost more than OE but are designed for a different purpose.
- Status
Similar threads
