Parts brands - OE Volvo, trusted aftermarket, and bad

[scot850]

At least the 01-04 are glass and not tacky plastic like the 05-07 XC70.

Neil.

[hausmeister]

This is more relevant to Europe I guess, but does anyone have experience with (Chinese) Hella parts?

I don't mean original ones, they now offer replacements for e.g. starter and alternator without core charge, that are made in China. Found them on amazon searching for volvo pn.
https://www.hella.com/partnerworld/uk/P ... tors-3407/

Usually I wouldn't doubt the quality with their oe parts, but I don't know if they have those made to specs or if they just slap a sticker on some random stuff and it's done.

[abscate]

This is more relevant to Europe I guess, but does anyone have experience with (Chinese) Hella parts?

I don't mean original ones, they now offer replacements for e.g. starter and alternator without core charge, that are made in China. Found them on amazon searching for volvo pn.
https://www.hella.com/partnerworld/uk/P ... tors-3407/

Usually I wouldn't doubt the quality with their oe parts, but I don't know if they have those made to specs or if they just slap a sticker on some random stuff and it's done.

Per my rebuilder. The Copper in China made or rebuilt products is contaminated heavily with pot metal, so the windings run hot due to resistance. This info is offered without verification but info trust this guy with all my auto electric work. He gets armatures rewound with good quality copper in the States

[BlackBart]

First they legalize pot, then we find it in our copper!

[hausmeister]

Per my rebuilder. The Copper in China made or rebuilt products is contaminated heavily with pot metal, so the windings run hot due to resistance.

Interesting info. I'll keep it in mind. Though I doubt this is true as a general rule. They manufacture almost everything in china and some of the stuff is good, some is bad. Probably depends on the case/quality control etc.

[abscate]

Per my rebuilder. The Copper in China made or rebuilt products is contaminated heavily with pot metal, so the windings run hot due to resistance.

Interesting info. I'll keep it in mind. Though I doubt this is true as a general rule. They manufacture almost everything in china and some of the stuff is good, some is bad. Probably depends on the case/quality control etc.

Indeed. How you sort the good from the bad and the ugly is a job for Arch Stanton.

[wizechatmgr]

First they legalize pot, then we find it in our copper!

Is this why I inhale deeply every time Abscate burns up a starter in my presence? =)

[WhatAmIDoing]

I'm adding my recent experience with Meyle [HD]. A few years ago I bought Meyle HD control arms, tie rods, and sway bar links. I thought everything looked very solid and robust. The control arms had a bigger cut out than stock, but I think the Volvo design is kind of overkill. Though the OE design probably protects the axle better.

Recently I bought Meyle HD outer tie rods and sway bar links, and Meyle steering rack boots (for TRW rack). The tie rod boots seemed to be lack luster quality, and the paint was already scratched and chipped. The rack boots were made of inferior rubber to OE. The tolerances made installing more difficult than necessary. And the supplied clamps were too small, but the price was unbeatable. The "HD" sway bar links were junk. The boots didn't look like they were sitting right. I broke one stud while torquing to 50 Nm per spec, and stripped or twisted the stud on the other at 35 Nm.

I also bought the Meyle HD upper torque bushing, which was supposed to be a press fit. The first one I received was over half a mm too small. The second was substantially heavier than the first, but was also over 1mm out of round. Both returned and I salvaged the IPD poly bushing from the S70.

I do like the Meyle activated carbon cabin air filter. But, after my recent experience I think I am done saving money by buying Meyle. Also seems that all their parts are made in China now, which would explain the drop in quality.

[BlackBart]

Ouch. Unfortunate.

[dikidera]

Volvo original parts are expensive, and for anyone that can always afford it, go for it.

I used Hutchinson mounts and am more than satisfied. But I have a control arm to replace and it costs 200 euro which is quite substantial, but I cannot compromise ride quality, unless someone knows of a cheaper, but equivalent control arm.

One of the bushing on the control arm is torn, in fact I think one of the knocks I have is coming from the play in there.