Moog Strut Boot

[The Critic]

Recently, I was doing a strut replacement on an Infiniti G35. The original strut boots had cracked, so I went to the local auto parts store and purchased a pair of Moog replacement boots.

The original boots had bump stops which were a "press fit" onto the strut mount. On the replacement Moog strut boots, it came with a new bump stop that was much larger and could not be "pressed into" the strut mount. The opening for the Moog boot was also much larger.

The original boot, which Infiniti calls a "bumper," was actually less expensive than the Moog part and obviously fits correctly.

This was yet another situation where the aftermarket part did not do its job. I sorta wonder now if the aftermarket has more issues on foreign applications than domestic applications. Premium aftermarket parts were never an issue on my Saturn, but I see issues far more often on foreign cars, especially lower-volume models.

 

[bdcardinal]

I have a heck of a time finding any R specific parts in the aftermarket. The parts that are a direct carry over from regular S60 models is not a problem, and generally very well made.

Also it is amazing how many times both with my Volvo and at work with Mazda and Ford OE parts where the OE parts are cheaper than aftermarket.

 

[stephen9666]

What was the price difference between the Moog and Nissan part? Where did you purchase the Nissan part? Did you get some kind of discount on the Nissan part?

I like genuine parts, but I don't like trying to haggle with the dealer. I wish they had a flatter price structure.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: stephen9666
What was the price difference between the Moog and Nissan part? Where did you purchase the Nissan part? Did you get some kind of discount on the Nissan part?

I like genuine parts, but I don't like trying to haggle with the dealer. I wish they had a flatter price structure.


I think it was around $5.

Haggling is a good thing. It allows both parties to arrive at an agreed price where nothing was left on the table.

The part was ordered through my friend's shop account with the local Infiniti dealer.

 

[Stu_Rock]

I've never bought Moog strut boots, but I have bought other brands. They never look like the OE parts, but they work well with the same-brand aftermarket struts.

To my knowledge, Federal-Mogul (Moog) does not sell aftermarket struts. So what could these Moog boots possibly match?

 

[ltslimjim]

KYB is good in my book and I believe they also sell strut boots, for their various strut models.

 

[JHZR2]

The bigger fundamental issue is why a car as new as a G35 would have this issue at all.

 

[doitmyself]

When I replaced the rear struts on my daughter's POS Sebring about 4 years ago I had to order the rubber parts from the dealer. At least from the pictures, the aftermarket options didn't look remotely close.

I guess it's just comes from experience. Sometimes aftermarket parts are better, sometimes good enough, and sometimes a fail. I don't agree with a recent thread that implied OEM should always be used. Each situation is unique.

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: stephen9666
What was the price difference between the Moog and Nissan part? Where did you purchase the Nissan part? Did you get some kind of discount on the Nissan part?

I like genuine parts, but I don't like trying to haggle with the dealer. I wish they had a flatter price structure.


I think it was around $5.

Haggling is a good thing. It allows both parties to arrive at an agreed price where nothing was left on the table.

The part was ordered through my friend's shop account with the local Infiniti dealer.


Haggling is not always a good thing, IMO. It's fine at a flea market, but I don't like being forced to haggle to get a decent price. It's just an extra PITA to deal with. IF the dealer won't budge or only offers a tiny discount, I know I'm getting a bad price on a part I need. My only options then are aftermarket or waiting for an online order.

Plus, you got a discount by using your friend's account. What is the MSRP of the part? I sometimes can beat the MSRP, but some dealers won't budge.

I'm not a genuine parts hater, like I said before, but this example is one that the average DIY'er won't be able to take advantage of.

You got a discount not everyone can get, so it might not convince too many people that OEM parts are always the best choice.

 

[bdcardinal]

Shop discount is generally 20-25% off of MSRP, so at $5 the MSRP is what $7 or 6 and change?

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
Shop discount is generally 20-25% off of MSRP, so at $5 the MSRP is what $7 or 6 and change?


That's true, but this is just one example.

Here's another example from today:

My GF's Beetle needs a new fuel pump relay. All the local auto parts stores only have Chinese relays, which I don't want.

I just called the dealer. They wanted more than $70. It wasn't even worth haggling with them. Even if they went down 25% (a long shot, IMO), it would still be around $55. I just ordered a made in Germany part for $39 shipped.

I will say, I think this dealer was giving me a horrible price, since other websites have the list price at $60.

The local dealer price was such a large difference that it wasn't even worth my time trying to work with them on price.