Och

iTrader: (3)

When I bought my LS400, almost two years ago, I replaced the original outer steering rods and lower ball joints with aftermarket ones I found on ebay. They were significantly cheaper than OEM parts, and I couldn't resist.

Well, today I was at a repair shop replacing my rear brake pads... And guess what, both ball joints and both steering rods are completely shot. They had more play in them than original ones with 100K miles. I've only put on about 10k miles since I replaced them.

Bradster

Good to know..thanks for the heads-up...Live and learn...it's awfully tempting to save money in this day and age but what you don't lay out now might come back to bite you in the a$$ later

nthach

The eBay ones were Chinese-made ones. I'm using Japanese aftermarket ones sold by Spicer/Beck-Arnley, made by Sangyo.

dashan

Sangya makes all of its parts in China and Taiwan.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Just ordered a set of new ball joints and tie rods. My next oil change is due next month, and I'll have these parts replaced as well.

convoy

had the same problem with aftermarket powersteering pressure hose. the fit/ routing was horrible. thanks for the heads up on the steering rods and ball joints. i guess its oem all the way.

steveski

Good information. I wonder if other brands like the ones mentioned (non Ebay) are any better?

Och

iTrader: (3)

Just replaced them today! Feels like a new car.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

Learned my lessons many years ago for front axles of my civic back then. Replaced axles 3 times over a year period, cheap Kragen ones "lifetime warranty" well the warranty was no good, because took me hours each time I had to replace them. Was not fun work.

When it comes to big/imp parts, unless they are performance parts, I buy OEM.

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

I can bring my existing hose to a shop who will custom make one for me right away for around $60. But mine isn't leaking...

Honestly guys, everything is made in Far East. Very little parts are made/assembled for big automakers in Japan nowadays.

Och

iTrader: (3)

I also had a Civic, and Honda's OEM axles do not last anymore than three years. I had a set of axles from raxles.com, they are much more durable.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Well it doesnt really matter where its made, but how and using what materials. Cheap aftermarkets parts are usually cheap because they made out of crap material and not to the same precision standards as OEM parts.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

Disagree. I got 120K miles out of my OEM Honda axles, and about 7k per Kragen Axle.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Depends where you drive I guess. With NYC roads and lowered stiffened suspension the OEM axles didnt last.

nthach

Honda floormats, hoses, and some audio systems are made in China. GM is using Chinese-made 3.4L V6s in the Chevy Equinox. Ford is using Indian-made cranks and cams in the new Duratec 3.5 V6s.