My CV joints are going out. There's a significant difference in price between Autozone/Checker vs OEM. Is the $330 OEM really that much better than the $90 Autozone?
IF you get the correct axle from the beginning, dont expect it to last for more than a year if its not OEM, we used to sell napa axles as an option here at the dealership, never again after all the problems we've had.
I've always had problems with anything from Napa. Carquest has always been the best non-oem parts I've used. When I was in college, all the major parts stores came in and gave us there sales pitch and showed videos of there remanufacturing facilities, carquest did the most thorough and best job IMO. Never had problems with there parts.
I just had major issues with a NAPA "Like OEM" quality. My sister picked up an MAF for her car. Her boyfriend got a deal through NAPA and his work. He told her is was an OEM part, I guess he misunderstood that it was a "Like OEM" part. She paid OEM price for the knock off part too (minus the discount). It was a PITA. I would suggest OEM parts if you aren't going to replace with aftermarket upgrades.
I've had terrible luck with remanufactured axles (mostly NAPA Long Lake). Had one last less than 24 hours once. I've learned my lesson, rebuild your axle before it is ruined, and you'll save yourself a bunch of time and frustration. I made a write-up here how to do it. I work at AutoZone, and there are a lot of good parts. I bought a Duralast clutch for my brat a few weeks ago, it says Exedy right on the disc. And all the Duralast ignition components are made by Wells.... There is a company called OEM. Says right on the box, "Original Equipment reManufactured". I know Advance, Autozone, and Oreilly's carry them. We haven't had almost any problems with them, but I really don't like that they say OEM on the box.
I actually am having the same issue. From what I have read... almost all 3rd party cv axles are junk and last a couple months to a couple years. Either RAxles (spendy, but top notch quality and raving reviews form 99% of the internet) OEM (also spendy) or buy used and take a risk.
I've worked parts for a long time now. In my experience Reman cv's are a bad idea. its a band aid on a broken arm. Go with the a new axle and your a lot less likely to have a return trip. The only thing is look it over prior to install. The only thing ive see once in awhile is the boot clamps not put on properly. Other then that i've had the best results and quality from new. And the OEM brand chux was refering to is Cardone. They are one of the largest Remanufacturers out there if not the largest. They rebuild everything from MAF's to Rack and Pinions. Some parts good others horribly bad. You need to pick and choose but i usually always recomend new aftermarket or OE if you can afford it.
