I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500 truck, and had a new set of tires (OEM size), a new NAPA hub bearing assembly and a new NAPA inner tie rod. This work was professionally installed by a certified ASE mechanic at a local repair shop on July 3, 2013. The new tie rod FAILED on July 29, 2013.
Thankfully - this happened while I was backing out of my driveway and not last weekend doing 70 MPH on the highway with my family in my truck. Failure of this part on the highway could have cost me my life, my family's lives and the lives of everyone else in my unintended path.
Vehicle was "repaired" by the local shop in the driveway and they showed up with a replacement NAPA inner tie rod. I see on the box that this part is manufactured in China. I did not want that part on my vehicle and told them they could install it for a one-time trip to the shop but then I want it changed to another brand. They obliged and found another manufacturer.
Here is the difference between the USA part (Raybestos/CarQuest) and the Made in China (NAPA) part.
1. Obvious that the NAPA part (top) was machined AFTER painting. What's the use of painting for corrosion protection when you machine afterwards?
2. NAPA part was machined to taper the part. The "grooves" are still in the part, not smoothed down so all the grooves act as stress concentrations.
3. Notice the difference in overall quality between the two parts!
BTW - the difference in the cost of the part? $14.
I've notified NAPA of this issue and I'm waiting for a reply. How would a recall be initiated for aftermarket car parts?? How any other parts like this are on our highways waiting to fail?
Thankfully - this happened while I was backing out of my driveway and not last weekend doing 70 MPH on the highway with my family in my truck. Failure of this part on the highway could have cost me my life, my family's lives and the lives of everyone else in my unintended path.
Vehicle was "repaired" by the local shop in the driveway and they showed up with a replacement NAPA inner tie rod. I see on the box that this part is manufactured in China. I did not want that part on my vehicle and told them they could install it for a one-time trip to the shop but then I want it changed to another brand. They obliged and found another manufacturer.
Here is the difference between the USA part (Raybestos/CarQuest) and the Made in China (NAPA) part.
1. Obvious that the NAPA part (top) was machined AFTER painting. What's the use of painting for corrosion protection when you machine afterwards?
2. NAPA part was machined to taper the part. The "grooves" are still in the part, not smoothed down so all the grooves act as stress concentrations.
3. Notice the difference in overall quality between the two parts!
BTW - the difference in the cost of the part? $14.
I've notified NAPA of this issue and I'm waiting for a reply. How would a recall be initiated for aftermarket car parts?? How any other parts like this are on our highways waiting to fail?