USE OEM ONLY for these:

Post by **jblackburn** » 16 Apr 2011, 23:00

Oil filter is important - I used a Fram once since I didn't have a Mann on-hand, and it made terrible noises on start-up. Anything with a check valve built in works OK. If you've got a 1999 or 2000 with the canister housing where you only replace the filter insert, it really doesn't matter what you use.

+1 on the sensors - they are very picky.

Wheel bearings - FAG are a good alternative. They actually make the bearing for the Volvo brand.

Do yourself a favor and don't buy the PCV "kit". It's a worthless piece of crap. I wish I'd known that at the time.

I've never used OEM spark plugs - they're too expensive. I've always gone with either Bosch Coppers or Autolite Platinum. Both seem to run fine in my T5.

SUSPENSION PARTS - OEM or IPD HD. From a longevity standpoint, nothing else stands up. Some have said good things about the aftermarket FCP Groton control arms, but avoid ScanTech. Looking back at maintenance records, I've got over 90K on my OEM control arms - the steering stops are now broken on both of them, but the ball joints are still in great shape, which is saying something considering the shape of our roads here/how I drive.

Engine mounts - OEM is the way to go unless you like rough idle.

I would not dare cheaping out on anything in the timing belt compartment. Or the thermostat.

RUBBER HOSES - OEM ONLY! The aftermarket alternatives to any of the hoses under the hood of these are pure garbage (at best).

I have a Nissens radiator, and no complaints yet. Behr is also a good alternative to the OEM Valeo radiator - they make good stuff.

Some have said that the aftermarket FCP heater core is smelly. The OEM one is about $30 more.

For some things, like brakes, there are many very good aftermarket alternatives that are in fact better than the OEM pads/rotors (the Volvo rotors warp easily and the brakes are dusty). Axles - R-axles is the way to go. I had an OEM Volvo one that failed again within 30,000 miles. And never use Scan Tech anything. Or URO anything, if at all possible. I have many complaints with them myself.

urbex · Post by **urbex** » 17 Apr 2011, 06:35

jblackburn wrote: Some have said that the aftermarket FCP heater core is smelly. The OEM one is about $30 more.

I've found that my local dealer (Sanderson Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Volvo) here in Phoenix has always been no more than $10 more than what FCP or Autohaus sells stuff for everything that I've bought so far, and usually is within a few bucks of the online stuff. Plus they've just about everything in stock already, vs. having to wait to have it shipped to me. I've been at the parts counter quite a bit over the past few weeks, lol.

Post by **cn90** » 17 Apr 2011, 07:26

The whole idea of this thread is how to get the "most bang for the bucks"....so by knowing the original maker of a particular part, you save money by buying that particular brand!

98V70T5 wrote:MUST USE OEM FOR: THERMOSTATS, TIMING BELT COMPONENTS (BELT, PULLEY, TENSIONER), SERP BELTS, WATER PUMPS

Volvo Tstat made by Wahler.
Timing Belt, Serp Belt are made by Conti-Tech.
Tensioner made by Aisin
Pulleys: INA is a good brand.
Water Pump: OEM is Aisin, alternative is Hepu (a very good brand).

peacock wrote:WHEEL BEARINGS

Wheel Bearing is made by F.A.G.
A very good alternative is SKF.

Post by **cn90** » 17 Apr 2011, 07:28

Another issue that will come up for many of you guys is: BRAKE HOSES which will crack after 10-14 years/100K miles.
This is a critical safety item.

Volvo Brake Hose is $35-40/each at dealer. But no need to buy Volvo brake hoses!
ATE is the OEM, I paid $13/each online.

I wrote the whole DIY for hydraulic system rebuild here:

DIY: 98 V70 Brake Hydraulic Overhaul (Hoses, Seals, Parking)
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=37721

gilhuly · Post by **gilhuly** » 17 Apr 2011, 08:00

It must be a real pleasure to not have to carry the burden of critical thought around all the time.

Schmitty wrote:Everything! Keep your Volvo a Volvo!

Post by **precopster** » 17 Apr 2011, 08:34

I'm really liking the way this thread is heading and would be a valuable tool for the newcomer (and experienced) home mechanic. Gained some really valuable info thanks guys!! (and girls??)

Post by **JRL** » 17 Apr 2011, 08:36

cn90 wrote:
JRL wrote:...Don't forget strut bearing plates, should be OEM only
Actually Sachs is the OEM : $77/each.
I have had this for 2 years now, no issues.

Actually Bosch is

sven · Post by **sven** » 17 Apr 2011, 09:08

Hydraulic motor mounts: corteco (made in germany) or dealer.

Post by **tjts1** » 17 Apr 2011, 13:24

I have NON OEM aka non name brand aka made in China aka the cheapest I could find:
strut mounts
bushings
upper engine mount
axles
timing belt and tensioner
coolant
spark plugs
thermostat
plug wires
distributor
brake pads
rotors
radiator hoses
serpentine belt
I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

Post by **tjts1** » 17 Apr 2011, 18:08

A list of good and bad brands for each part would be a lot more useful than simply making the blanket statement that you have to use the OEM part. Not everyone knows what the OE part was or why its better than any other given brand. How about warning people about buying anything SCANTECH for example. There is a lot of knowledge on this forum. How about a list of parts that people have had a bad experience with.

USE OEM ONLY for these:

Re: USE OEM ONLY for these: