Pattern parts versus OE

[MULLEY]

I think this post would be more helpful if it detailed the bad pattern manufacturers, as i must admit i've not got a clue who are good & who are rubbish. I just pick up on forums what other peoples experiences have been, which is why i steered clear of QH cambelt Kits, but Kitch & others say they're fine?

[citsncycles]

I think the problem is that different companies seem bad at different things. The Motaquip points I mentioned earlier had an issue with the plastic foot that ran on the dizzy cam being too soft and wearing away, yet others here say Motaquip are good.

I've fitted QH belts and suspension components, but would only fit a QH kingpin kit to a 2CV as a last resort as last couple I used were as bad as the old ones I'd removed.

I know there's been issues with pattern drop links on the last couple of years, but as I've not had to do them yet (although I think there's one on Timex that's knocking) I can't comment.

[rutter123]

Never had any major probs with pattern parts, just once with front drop links supplied by gsf being about an inch longer than the o/e. I always tend to go for midrange pricewise and go for known brands, avoid el cheapo's. Have used Q&H clutches, bearings, water pumps, cam belt kits etc, all seem to do the job ok.

[mat_fenwick]

The drop links I used which failed after a month were Veco - whether that is an indication of a poor quality brand or just a one-off failure I don't know, but I'm not inclined to find out! Doc had a similar failure with a different branded but visually identical part. Which is part of the problem as manufacturers buy in and re-box other makes of parts, so you don't really know who the true manufacturer is. I guess you have to trust that the bigger brands wouldn't risk their reputation by selling cheap crap (and by their nature are more likely to cover a wider range of cars).

[Stinkwheel]

I dont have a problem with the reasonable quality pattern parts, what bothers me is the large increase in 'fake' pattern parts .

Yes thats right, mainly brake pads, but they now fake parts to make a bit of profit in some places.

that makes life tricky.