Cheap pattern parts :-(

[Tannaton]

I know it's often debated whether it is really worth paying Volvo prices for spares when they're not made by Volvo... so I thought I would share my recent experience.

Rear wheel bearing was starting to get noisy on my XC90 (160k nearly) and we all know the Volvo ones aint cheap. So I bought a mid price range pattern part from e-bay (Firstline, about £90). Mistake.

All went well until I was building it back up - I've fitted brake shoe adjusters so I put the brake disc back on and adjusted them - then I refitted the caliper and noticed the wheel was locked solid. After a bit of examination I noticed that the brake disc was fouling the caliper, so I assumed the hub face was slightly thicker on the new bearing assembly and prepared to modify the caliper... then common sense came over me and I stripped it all again to inspect it.

The problem was that the mating face of the new bearing assembly to the hub on the car is not exactly the same shape as the old one, and in places it was bigger and hence overlapped the back plate meaning it was sticking out on one side by about 1mm - this would have had a significant effect on tracking etc.

Hence I took the back plate off and cut away some metal so it all went together properly. Noise cured now, but once again I wish I'd forked out for the genuine part....

[cheshired5]

I've recommended them many times on here Autodoc supply the highest quality brands for 3rd rate parts prices.
I've had the genuine Volvo thermostat complete assembly for £62 versus £95, ATE (Volvo) brakes, genuine Volvo alternator clutch pulley for £20 versus £80.....

If you click on the link, you'll see that for the £90 you spent on the "cheap" Firstline part, you could have got an SKF, SNR or FAG bearing assembly from them and one of them will be the genuine Volvo one.

[kenny]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

I've recommended them many times on here Autodoc supply the highest quality brands for 3rd rate parts prices.
I've had the genuine Volvo thermostat complete assembly for £62 versus £95, ATE (Volvo) brakes, genuine Volvo alternator clutch pulley for £20 versus £80.....

If you click on the link, you'll see that for the £90 you spent on the "cheap" Firstline part, you could have got an SKF, SNR or FAG bearing assembly from them and one of them will be the genuine Volvo one.

I have also been using Autodoc for parts. I got a nice set of Brembo discs and pads at a price no one could match.

[Wonko]

Thanks for the Autodoc pointer. Unfortunately they don't do the parts I need.

Are there any places that do OEM Volvo parts at a discount? Or at least online? I hate driving to the dealer.

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by Wonko

Thanks for the Autodoc pointer. Unfortunately they don't do the parts I need.

Are there any places that do OEM Volvo parts at a discount? Or at least online? I hate driving to the dealer.

what parts are you looking for?

[Shala]

Volvo wanted £12 per door pin bushing. I spoke to a friend and he measured the door pin & gap, then 3D printed them for me. Cost him £2 in plastic and saved me £48

[Simon Jones]

Originally Posted by Wonko

Thanks for the Autodoc pointer. Unfortunately they don't do the parts I need.

Are there any places that do OEM Volvo parts at a discount? Or at least online? I hate driving to the dealer.

Many main dealers will offer 10% off parts and labour if you mention Volvo Owners Club. Of course, if you hate driving to them, you won't be able to take advantage of the offer unless you try FRF in Swansea who offer courier delivery.

[colinbos]

I have to recommend FRF 100%.

I bought a AQS from them and after fitting it threw all kinds of DTCs. They sent me another next day (without charge) to test it again. They took me on trust.

I sent the 1st one back at my cost. They re very very good at discussing things with you and the price of postage is more than worth the drive to the dealers.

Brilliant service from them

[Wonko]

Thanks. Good to know for FRF. My local dealer gave me a token discount on a fuel pump, so that's good.

I tried https://www.volvopartshop.com/ and they were about 10% cheaper than list price. Worth bearing in mind.