Build 'em like they used too?

[Octane]

My old 77 k10 has been pretty dependable.But when its not,its is everything at once.Engine developed a stumble,then one day it quit getting fuel.Replaced a completely clogged filter.Then the bearing in waterpump started growling.And already went thru two alternators trying to find one that didnt whine.Yep,rebuilt parts are still crap.Wish I could get better parts maybe by rebuilding everything myself.

 

[Goldie Driver]

OE stuff seems to last around 100K - water pump, alternator, starter.

I think my power steering pump was a fluke caused by a hole in the reservoir.

Aftermarket in the day was usually fine, but I found some crap parts, believe me.

I think then more stuff was American made and the odds were in your favor.

Now, with Chinesium, the odds are against you.

But, its inexpensive, right ?


Well, so far, the new devolved auto parts (Advance Auto) water pump still works, their alternator still works ( should have kept the original core, dammit ) and the starter, too.

Hindsight = 20/20.

 

[Octane]

I just get tired of swapping out bad rebuilt parts.I put two master cylinders on I believe in less than a year.Now this one has been on quite a while now.But I dont put many miles on the truck at all.I just replace rebuilt parts mostly. Lol

 

[oldretiredafguy]

I thought I was doing the right thing insisting on Delco/Delphi parts when we were putting the '88 V-Jimmy back together. The main wrench bender showed me a package that had all the correct Delco tags and stickers on the plastic packaging. In a really small font was the wording "Made in China". Not made in china out of USA materials or anything to have a sliver of hope that I was supporting a US company. Now any hopes of getting our industrial and manufacturing capability back has done flown the coop. At least for the next four very long years.

 

[Turbo4whl]

About the bearings in rebuilt parts... the imported (quality bearings) are not packed with enough grease. You need to pop the side shield off with a small screwdriver and pack with more bearing grease. In the alternator, this must be done before the rebuilder assembles it.

 

[Goldie Driver]

I just get tired of swapping out bad rebuilt parts.I put two master cylinders on I believe in less than a year.Now this one has been on quite a while now.But I dont put many miles on the truck at all.I just replace rebuilt parts mostly. Lol

Yup - forgot I replaced the master cylinder.

I kept the old - keep thinking I can find someone to rebuild it.

 

[Octane]

Yup - forgot I replaced the master cylinder.

I kept the old - keep thinking I can find someone to rebuild it.

I took the cap off one of mine and the casting was deformed.

 

[Goldie Driver]

I took the cap off one of mine and the casting was deformed.

Did not have that issue, fortunately.

But I think the new MC was around 35 bux, so ...

You have to wonder how well it was made.

But, it was NEW.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Yup - forgot I replaced the master cylinder.

I kept the old - keep thinking I can find someone to rebuild it.

Bro. Super simple to rebuild. It comes in a kit and rebuilds like a wheel cylinder with snap rings... Only takes a couple of minutes and a bench vise. Finding someone to do it aint the hard part....I bet the trouble lies in finding the kit!

 

[Goldie Driver]

Bro. Super simple to rebuild. It comes in a kit and rebuilds like a wheel cylinder. Only takes a couple of minutes and a bench vise. Finding someone to do it aint the hard part....I bet the trouble lies in finding the kit!

Full admission- for 13 bux new, I ain't never fooled with a wheel cylinder, either.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Thirteen dollars?
Dang.























(don't tell nobody else)

 

[Goldie Driver]

Thirteen dollars?
Dang.























(don't tell nobody else)

Iffin this works :

https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and...inder&fromString=search&isIgnoreVehicle=false

 

[Octane]

Full admission- for 13 bux new, I ain't never fooled with a wheel cylinder, either.

In the early 1980s a new wheel cylinder was $25.A kit was about $11 or 12. So I honed and rebuilt.Still have the hone.Since then the brand new wheel cylinders are around $12. Some were made in Italy...now all chinesium.

 

[oldretiredafguy]

Full admission- for 13 bux new, I ain't never fooled with a wheel cylinder, either.

Used to rebuild old wheel cylinders when I was young and fooling around with European sports cars. Parts were hard to come by, especially for the Italian cars. A lot of the older US vehicles had similar sized seals and boots.

 

[jake wells]

i replaced the brushes and bearings in the alternator on my truck and it was easy i used SKF bearings since i know they are quality.

I got a local shop here that does water pumps, starters, and alternators and he uses usa made or high quality Japanese parts in repairs and they are better than all the rebuilt garbage on the market.