Post up parts you should only buy genuine!

Ive never had that problem with any dealer really....

 

Jacobson re-built alternators. MK4 aux belt tensioner.


Generally if you stick with the OEM/Bosch/SKF, etc you can't go wrong with GSF. Quantum leads and oil, you get what you pay for IMO.

Don't forget the GSF/ruveel SP? metal impeller mk4 water pump is better than the stealers plastic item, which they insist is OK because they've been using them for years on the smaller x-flow motors

I had a mk2 clutch bought and fitted by a VW dealer that didn't work...

 

Door locks/ignition barrels from GSF are dog pooh. Oil pumps are very poor as well.

 

Rear wheel bearings and timing belt tensioners. the bearings went in mine in a couple of months. Headlights for a MK2 Golf as well cause they aint sealed properly andyou get moisture in them really quickly!!

 

Bump

 

thermostats.

the actual VW item for the ABF is an 83* stat. all the pattern ones, bar none, were 92*

water flanges, VW or dont bother

water pump, it seems to be a total mystery about where the VW ones come from, so without knowing that you can only get it from VW.

 

pas fluid, cos its the right stuff but its also really cheap

to an extent, gearbox oil, for the same reason

 

exhaust hangers!

window regulators!!

 

When you're buying something that's a known OEM supplier brand, rather than unbranded stuff, I find the big motor factors are fine - for example:

Mann filters
INA bearings & tensioners
DAYCO timing Belts
Elring Gaskets
Anything Bosch or Beru
Most FEBI Bilstein parts (although I'm not convinced about the suspension bushes).
Anything Sachs / Boge / Pagid

If it comes from the factor in an unmarked plastic bag, or loose, or from reconditioners you've never heard of, then buy VAG.

Pattern door handles are a waste of time too.

 

exactly, but ive never found who is the supplier for water pumps or the stats, so on the audi i had to take the plunge and get it from the dealer

i dont think id bother with anything febi again, i just dont like them.

 

Could not agree more - its always worth checking.

I bought a pollen and air filter for my GTi Turbo yesterday.

Vw - 28.80 (for both)
GSF - 18.65 (for both)

Both were Mann filters, just in different boxes.

Just check before you buy!

 

Just got an OE water pump from the dealer. Bloody thing's Mexican - BOCAR - plastic impeller? Thought I'd got rid of the Mexican rubbish when the PB died.

 

crikey. which car was your water pump for?

 

100 Avant. Same as 87EV though.
They did me a good deal. Now I know why!
Also. Only buy genuine CV joints. GSF do supply GKN/Lobro if in stock, and you are lucky. Ask them to ensure they are GKN/Lobro. There is a Chinese company named "OE Brand"! They make CV joints!!!!!!!

 

hahaha @ oe brand. those chinese are mad

ive had gkn bits from gsf before. i asked them if thats what id be getting and sure enough thats what was waiting when i picked em up

as for genuine only

engine oil. quantum platinum. 20L can. bargain!!

 

Way back, when Quantum came on the scene, I was very dubious about VW sourcing parts in the UK. Wanted every thing to be German. Didn't realise I was driving a Mex. PB!

Was ****ed off when the Mk3 VR6 had Froggy bits. Even more ****ed off now that I buy OE bits made in: Poland, Chec., Portugal, MEXICO, et al!

Remember being informed at the time that Quantum oil was made by Fuchs? Used to see 50 gallon drums of Fuchs in the dealers workshop!

 

Any rear axle bushes, also steering rack gaitors, CV boots and ball joints.

I've had some GSF /Euro equivalents which have zero durability.

Eg Track rod ends where the rubber boot perished in 6mths/5000 miles same for rack gaitors.
OE rubber compound far higher quality.
I find Febi okay for the money.

 

OK if you pick them up. I have to pay lots to have them delivered. If they are wrong the hassle and costs are high. Not to mention the delay in getting the bits.

 

Quantum oils have NEVER been made by Fuchs. All Quantum oils are made by 'UK Lubricants plc' at their Belgium blending plant. UK Lubricants plc is the parent company of Castrol, and is owned by BP plc. So Quantum are better described as being made by Castrol - Quantum Technical Support is based at Pipers Way in Swindon - which is exactly the same as Castrol Tech.

Oh, and another myth - Quantum oils are NOT identical to their Castrol equivalents - dispite what stealers try to claim. And Quantum oils should NOT be used by VW (or Audi/Seat/Skoda) main dealers. Quantum products are specifically meant for the 'Independent Motor Trade'. Main stealers charge 'premium' prices, and should only use premium products - so for oils, that would be either genuine 'Volkswagen Original Teile' (with a G 052 ??? part number), or from premium oil companies such as Castrol, BP, Fuchs, Shell, Total, Elf, Motul, etc.

Onto the Fuchs issue - they actually make Unipart oils. So if you are a Fuchs fan, but want Fuchs on the cheap, go to your local Partco.