Quality of aftermarket parts

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 08 Feb 2022, 16:48

Yesterday I replaced the timing belt, idler pulley and tensioner on my car and while doing this job I saw that the inner boot of the right front axle had torn. I had replaced both boots on this axle just shy of 4 years and 35K miles ago with a Rein boot kit from FCPEuro and now one boot has already failed. I have a 41 year old shaft drive Suzuki motorcycle with an original rubber boot over the front universal joint and it's still in good shape. What has happened to the quality of a simple rubber boot (and many other rubber parts)? I've been working on cars for many years now and one of the most frustrating things in recent times is the quality of aftermarket parts and having to do the same repair over and over again. As much as I hate to pay dealer OEM part prices it seems like there's just no in between on quality, either total junk aftermarket or high priced reasonable quality OEM parts. The good news is I found a good OEM Volvo axle at the salvage yard and they only charged me $32. The used axle is in and working well, no noise, no vibration and no grease flying out of a torn boot. I'll clean and inspect the axle I pulled off and if the inner joint still looks good I'll repack and reboot the axle with OEM parts.

TisMe · Post by **TisMe** » 08 Feb 2022, 17:35

Shame to hear that, I always was under the impression that Rein respected their rubber. Except for a few certain things, I really am starting to think that Volvo's OEM quality is unmatchable.

At least you got some free chocolate ice cream!

Post by **abscate** » 08 Feb 2022, 20:35

GKN is a good brand for aftermarket CV boots

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 08 Feb 2022, 22:09

abscate wrote: ↑08 Feb 2022, 20:35 GKN is a good brand for aftermarket CV boots

Thanks, I see that FCPEuro now offers this brand for CV boots and what I've ordered.

Post by **Krons** » 09 Feb 2022, 17:24

firstv70volvo wrote: ↑08 Feb 2022, 16:48 I had replaced both boots on this axle just shy of 4 years and 35K miles ago with a Rein boot kit from FCPEuro and now one boot has already failed.

FCPEuro warranties everything for life don't they? If you want to take the chance on another Rein boot...

Post by **abscate** » 09 Feb 2022, 18:39

firstv70volvo wrote: ↑08 Feb 2022, 22:09
abscate wrote: ↑08 Feb 2022, 20:35 GKN is a good brand for aftermarket CV boots
Thanks, I see that FCPEuro now offers this brand for CV boots and what I've ordered.

Call them up and they will credit your Rein boot purchase to the GKN replacement, historically.

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 10 Feb 2022, 10:19

abscate wrote: ↑09 Feb 2022, 18:39
firstv70volvo wrote: ↑08 Feb 2022, 22:09
abscate wrote: ↑08 Feb 2022, 20:35 GKN is a good brand for aftermarket CV boots
Thanks, I see that FCPEuro now offers this brand for CV boots and what I've ordered.
Call them up and they will credit your Rein boot purchase to the GKN replacement, historically.

That's good to know but in this case it's not so much about the price of the parts it's about having to do the axle removal and install job all over again, it's not my favorite car repair especially with grease flung all over the place. The good news is I cleaned up and inspected the inner joint that had the torn boot and all looks good so I can repack with grease, reboot and save the axle. The $32 salvage yard axle I'm using as a temporary axle is also working out better than expected.