Where do you guys like to buy OEM replacement parts?

"Big Bubba Ray" (eganward01)
06/10/2014 at 22:20 • Filed to: None

I need to replace the front axles on my 2005 Outback because the axle boots are torn on both sides and they're clicking very badly whenever I take a turn.

Where do you guys suggest buying OEM replacements? I was thinking of just going to the closest Subie dealership in St. Louis, but I'm afraid they're going to have a big mark up on prices. I've been searching around online a bit also to check prices, but it's hard to get a definitive answer and I'd rather go pick them up than have them delivered to my house.

I want to get the axle job done before the end of the month when I have to drive up to Canada. Last thing I need on a 1,700 mile road trip is for my dried up, worn out axles to blow up or fail. Thanks in advance, Oppo!

DISCUSSION (25)

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:22

Junk yard. Because I am a cheap ass son of a bitch.

ZiptieMcBumper > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:23

https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/oe_parts_cat.h…

$341.59/ea.

kevinw > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:23

I would look into rebuilt axles. Being st. Louis is a big city you should easily be able to find some. They are just as good as new. Although alot of dealers may also sell rebuilt axles.

kevinw > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:24

Napa. Auto zone or carquest.

Big Bubba Ray > kevinw
06/10/2014 at 22:25

I'd kinda like to stay away from rebuilt if at all possible. If I'm taking the time to do the work, I'll gladly shell out more for brand new parts.

Big Bubba Ray > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
06/10/2014 at 22:25

Haha there aren't any good junk yards very close to me! The closest pick and pull is a good 45 minutes from me.

Big Bubba Ray > ZiptieMcBumper
06/10/2014 at 22:27

I was just poking around this site a little while ago and I question it's legitimacy for some reason haha

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:27

Still it is worth it. So go and get your part there.

ZiptieMcBumper > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:29

Based on my experience, if you actually want an OEM part, it's the best place to go. Unless you have some kind of crazy parts discount coupon from your local dealer and feel like waiting for them to get the part in stock.

Big Bubba Ray > ZiptieMcBumper
06/10/2014 at 22:33

Cool, I'll check it out again. Thanks!

ZiptieMcBumper > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:34

Just for shits and giggles, I checked Fusz and Dean, since you said you were in St. Louis. They both use the same parts drilldown website, and both want 359.95 for the same part.

Nibbles > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:35

If I can wait for the parts to be shipped, I will go with RockAuto. They've always had what I needed and, in the one time they shipped the wrong part, were very friendly and helpful. They shipped the correct part out on honor before I shipped the wrong part back.

Big Bubba Ray > ZiptieMcBumper
06/10/2014 at 22:36

Shit, good call. I didn't even think about Lou Fusz. I actually know the family who owns that place so I could probably get a discount on parts. YOU'RE A GENIUS ZIPTIEMCBUMPER!

kevinw > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:36

I totally understand where your coming from. But. I ran a shop for several years and the quality of rebuilt axles is very high. Also there are not too many moving parts in an axle and generally the bearings and u joints they install are of the highest quality. Timken if not mistaken . as far as warranties are concerned they are equal. Dealers only give you a 1 year warranty on there part. Just like a rebuilt axle. Even my most strict clients were steered by me to install rebuilt axles. Either way . have a safe trip

Big Bubba Ray > kevinw
06/10/2014 at 22:38

Cool, I'll definitely look into rebuilt in that case! If they come with a year long warranty or something like that then I'll definitely go that route. Thanks!

Big Bubba Ray > Nibbles
06/10/2014 at 22:40

I'll definitely check them out. But getting the wrong part shipped is what I fear most about ordering parts. I've already procrastinated on doing this job and I'm running out of time!

dogisbadob > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:42

You CANNOT buy brand new OEM CV axles for any car. ALL CV axles you'd buy, even at the dealer, are rebuilt. There are some brand-new aftermarket axles, but they are of low quality. However, I have heard good things about Raxles. My axles are Napa remans, which are supposedly A1 Cardone.

For other OEM parts, eBay has been the best bet for me. Another good idea is buying OEM/OES aftermarket; that is, not exactly the dealer OEM part (though in some cases it is), but made by the OE supplier. For example, Denso makes the OEM spark plugs for most Japanese cars, and Denso is actually part of Toyota, so buying an aftermarket Denso part for a Toyota is OK to do.

Beck/Arnley is worth considering. They just rebox other parts, but many of them are OEM, and the B/A parts that aren't OEM are still good quality.

And for those on here with a GM car, Rock Auto now sells GM Original Equipment ACDelco parts.

Nibbles > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:45

Out of the myriad times I've used them, I've received the wrong part once. I wanted the Police spec fan setup (2 high output electrical fans) and they shipped the standard unit. I could've used the unit they sent. I just didn't want to.

thebigbossyboss > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 22:57

You're coming to visit us in Canadaland? Pray tell which part are you coming to? Canada is mighty big!

Big Bubba Ray > thebigbossyboss
06/10/2014 at 23:00

Yep! Coming at the end of the month and I'm going to be there for a week. I'm driving up to to Nestor Falls, Ontario, then catching a float plane up to the English River System for a week of fishing. Can't wait!

Big Bubba Ray > Nibbles
06/10/2014 at 23:01

Haha fair enough! I'll definitely be considering them for parts. Thanks for the help!

ZiptieMcBumper > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 23:01

No problem. Hopefully you're close to Lindbergh and Olive (or St. Peters).

I used to live in the area.

Big Bubba Ray > ZiptieMcBumper
06/10/2014 at 23:02

I live about 10 minutes from their Subaru dealership so it's not too far of a trek.

ZiptieMcBumper > Big Bubba Ray
06/10/2014 at 23:07

Cool. Good luck with your repairs.

Conan > Nibbles
06/12/2014 at 04:51

Similar experience here. They've helped me with both my Mustang and my Crossfire