'Pattern parts'
 

With genuine original parts drying up quickly, I've had numerous problems with 'pattern parts' being a poor fit, or being so badly replicated, it's impossible to fit them with out major modification.

Just an idea, but is it perhaps worth starting a list somewhere of specific parts / suppliers to avoid?

dont get me going on this at the moment



andy

Here is a start, Xpart 'genuine' auto brake pedal rubbers. The latest dotted ones made in India start splitting after a month or so. Gone through dozens in the past, ended up just replacing at MOT time.

Solution is to source an original old stock crossed rubber version. I spotted one on ebay and paid £22! It has lasted over a year though :)

John

I've seen a fair bit of this, I have a 'corner of shame' where bits I'm trialling have ended up because they're just so far out of spec it's untrue.
It's also the reason I'm now dealing with MG in China a lot, as everything from them has been as you'd expect on the production line, and as you'd want to fit to your own car.

Tensioners, belts, bulbs - you name it, I've probably tested one that's hilariously badly made. The problem is a lot of people will just sell it anyway.

It's very frustrating to buy any parts and have to replace them within the year due to poor quality, ( should technically be replaced under warranty, but not worth the hassle usually ).

What I can't understand is parts that don't fit in the first place. The term ' pattern part ' means the original has been replicated, but this couldn't be further from the truth in some instances. :mad:

Absolutely
 

Totally agree

Stupidly bought a pattern part V6 thermostat and housing. Fitted it, put inlet manifolds, fuel rails etc back together with new gaskets and
Coolant piddling out of where seal is in the block hole. Not a good fit at all. Sent a replacement but frankly didn't want to fit so now gathering dust.
Got a genuine one from Howard's Garage. Best was it was not a really cheap pattern part!
You can imagine the language when I had to take it all apart again ....:mad:

Still, at keast it was obvious..

Chris

Is the Diesel engine available in China? Only so the major parts don't dry up.:eek:

'Pattern parts'
 

Start the list with euro parts drop links complete dog discharge!:devil::devil: fitted in may both on way out - Going to get some new ones off Matt soon:}

A few years back I had problems with rear brake pads.

Ferrodo, Halfords, and EBC greenstuff pads, all patterned incorrectly, with the outer pads being a different profile to the inner pads. Surprisingly, they 'rattled' around in the carrier. :twonk: EBC did acknowledge the problem, and sent out shims.

Latest was a replacement short handbrake cable http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=1345337

This is no reflection on the seller. They're service was superb. I bought that over the Firstline part, as I've never heard anything good about them, and I was sure Quinton Hazell parts were recommended.

This part was nothing like the original ( I finally discovered ), even before I lost my rag with it.

There was no way it would fit the lever assembly without cutting 25mm off the threaded stud. :mad:

The same engine was used in the Mk 1 Freelander Sean, so no danger of parts drying up any time soon. ;)

The engine also shares some parts with the pre-facelift E46 320d, but contrary to popular misconception, is NOT the same engine! ;)

As for pattern parts, "Buy cheap, buy twice!) ;)