OEM vs A/M chassis parts

[Johnny248]

I've had experience with all different parts. Both OEM and Aftermarket, and this is not really a question if one is better than the other, I think it is all realitive to the part and who the a/m manufacturer is.

My real question is OEM vs A/M parts who are made my the same supplier. We use a lot of Napa parts, and from time to time I get a Napa part or even a Moog part that contains a part made my CTR or Central Corporation Korea who I also know makes a lot of OEM parts for manufactures. I see a ton of GM tie rod ends who are made by CTR, and they are even made in Korea also. Do you all think that the A/M CTR parts are the same part or at least the same quality as their OEM counterpart?

 

[Dax1987]

Yes and sometimes even better. this is a great topic that I did a lot of research on. I'm a Jaguar mechanic and to buy parts we use the WorldPAC platform in which the program tells you when an aftermarket brand is the OE for that car. But it gets better than that! Check this out, some old S-Type have common compressor problems. Compressor from Jag, 300$ shop cost; compressor from Lincoln?! 75 $ Shop Costs: same compressor!!! The easiest way to see this is in brake pads. Akebono are the best pads in my personal experience better than OE in almost any car. But instead of buying VW buy Pagid, instead of old land Rover buy Textar, etc. I can keep naming examples but my fingers are getting tired...

 

[SteveSRT8]

As stated above, if you know you can get better in many cases.

The problem is finding out those little details.

 

[nthach]

I order OE-equivalent parts from WorldPac via Carquest - and I've always gotten Denso or Aisin parts that way. A parts house gave me a heads up that some aftermarket parts are made by OEM suppliers as well.

Akebono is a OEM for Honda, Toyota and Nissan - and Kragen/O'Reilly can source OEM pads for imports now. Believe it or not, I've heard Raybestos makes GM's aftermarket brake friction and Ford has Federal-Mogul make their Motorcraft friction.