Timing belt replacement...........Need advice

[PandaBear]

I went with both AC Delco and Gate in the past for Japanese cars and both worked fine for the recommended duration. I do replace all the water pumps and tensioners rather than inspect / replace as need, with Gate / AC Delco / etc.

I think these rubbers are old technologies that every reputable brand should know what they are doing already and not much of a risk, as long as you replace them on time.

 

[doitmyself]

Is this a legitimate idea?.....If you google "insert brand" OEM Parts, there are many mail order sites that claim to sell OEM parts at discount.

Just an idea. I.E., without knowing your exact car specs., I found and "OEM" timing belt for $37 at an internet Mazda site vs. $31 for a Dayco at Advanced Auto.

But, is it really OEM??

 

[PandaBear]

"OEM" is a brand name, not the manufacture brand of your car.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Sounds like my 1972 240z with Factory Air Conditioning made by the Factory AC company!

 

[doitmyself]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear
"OEM" is a brand name, not the manufacture brand of your car.


PandaBear, what am I missing here. I like to use the Wikipedia definition of automotive OEM:

When referring to automotive parts, OEM designates a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part. An automobile part may carry the designation OEM if it is made by the same manufacturer and is the original part used when building and selling the product.[1] The term aftermarket is often used for non-OEM spare parts.[1]

So, if I google Mazda OEM Parts, I would hope to find parts sellers offering "OEM" Mazda parts at discount, like this dealer "seems" to imply: http://www.mazdawholesaleparts.com/

But, as The Critic reminds us, a Motorcraft branded part might not be OEM. I know that the Ford Escort comes from the factory with 2 different spark plugs installed (waste ignition???). You cannot buy these plugs, even from a dealer. There is a single Motorcraft plug that replaces both of the factory plugs.

 

[Tornado Red]

Originally Posted By: mattd
I prefer OEM, and OEM only based on experience.


It depends on the auto manufacturer, of course, but I don't think any of them make their own timing belts. Gates, Dayco, and Conti are all OE suppliers; I am not familiar with the OE suppliers for Japanese brands.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Originally Posted By: PandaBear
"OEM" is a brand name, not the manufacture brand of your car.


PandaBear, what am I missing here. I like to use the Wikipedia definition of automotive OEM:

When referring to automotive parts, OEM designates a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part. An automobile part may carry the designation OEM if it is made by the same manufacturer and is the original part used when building and selling the product.[1] The term aftermarket is often used for non-OEM spare parts.[1]

So, if I google Mazda OEM Parts, I would hope to find parts sellers offering "OEM" Mazda parts at discount, like this dealer "seems" to imply: http://www.mazdawholesaleparts.com/

But, as The Critic reminds us, a Motorcraft branded part might not be OEM. I know that the Ford Escort comes from the factory with 2 different spark plugs installed (waste ignition???). You cannot buy these plugs, even from a dealer. There is a single Motorcraft plug that replaces both of the factory plugs.


I agree with you. But What I'm saying is that there is one brand called "OEM" and try to trick people into buying generic stuff for a premium price.