wgusler
New member
- Joined
- May 10, 2016
- Location
- Apopka, Florida US
I just ordered new Volvo outer tie rods and ball joints for my 245. The right side ball Joint and tie rod were replaced 18 months ago and the left a couple months ago by a local Volvo shop. ($26.00 each) The tie rod on the right side deformed badly when I used a tie rod removal tool on it. (using a 6" wrench, no air gun) The top of the threads actually swelled outward from the pressure and deformed the threads. Using the same tool on the left side, no issues other than the boot is leaking grease all ready. The tie rods are different brands for the looks of them and the casting marks. I used a die and re cut the top of the threads and reinstalled the right side. These parts are complete crap as far as quality.
One of my friends ( with three 245's) thinks I am crazy spending $150.00 on new Volvo parts when I can buy a new tie rod for $9.00. My thoughts are that a $9.00 tie rod is exactly that. I would assume the ball joints are cheap parts store junk like the tie rod. My solution is to put OEM Volvo parts on the car, the originals lasted 26 years and 250K, in addition to having some semblance of accountability on the quality of the parts. I am personally much more comfortable with the Volvo parts regardless of price.
With little experience in working on cars in the last 20 years, my question is this;
Is the quality of aftermarket parts today as piss poor as the price would indicate? Do you guys favor OEM vs aftermarket on suspension/ steering items? Is there a middle ground of price/performance on aftermarket. Are the long time brands like Moog or TRW still decent quality or made in china crap also?
Ok, flame away, But give my your opinion/ experience as I am curious about what you use on restorations and or DDs.
One of my friends ( with three 245's) thinks I am crazy spending $150.00 on new Volvo parts when I can buy a new tie rod for $9.00. My thoughts are that a $9.00 tie rod is exactly that. I would assume the ball joints are cheap parts store junk like the tie rod. My solution is to put OEM Volvo parts on the car, the originals lasted 26 years and 250K, in addition to having some semblance of accountability on the quality of the parts. I am personally much more comfortable with the Volvo parts regardless of price.
With little experience in working on cars in the last 20 years, my question is this;
Is the quality of aftermarket parts today as piss poor as the price would indicate? Do you guys favor OEM vs aftermarket on suspension/ steering items? Is there a middle ground of price/performance on aftermarket. Are the long time brands like Moog or TRW still decent quality or made in china crap also?
Ok, flame away, But give my your opinion/ experience as I am curious about what you use on restorations and or DDs.