2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake parts - Made in USA vs CHINA

[KRStone]

Let me say right up front, that I have purchased from sponsors of this site. Several hundred $$$ per order in some instances. For this repair I don't have time for shipping, so I went to the local NAPA.



That being said...



Thought it would be interesting to post what I bought for a brake job on my '96 3/4 ton, and where it was manufactured (per the box).



I purchased from Napa:



New master cylinder

M3290



Front caliper

SE-4898



Rear shoes, Ultra Premium

UP-451-R



Front brake lines (rubber)

380295

380344



Rear brake line (rubber)

38636



Rear brake hardware kit (springs etc)

2248



Rear differential sensor

532046



*******************************



New master cylinder

CHINA



Front caliper

UNMARKED



Rear shoes, Ultra Premium

USA



Front brake lines (rubber)

CHINA



Rear brake line (rubber)

CHINA



Rear brake hardware kit (springs etc)

USA



Rear differential sensor

USA





Interesting what is made in USA and what is not. I expected the hardware kit to be China, while the master cylinder I expected it to be USA.



Glad to see there is still *something* being made here.



Also bought 3 cans of napa brake cleaner on sale. Total price $430 out the door with core rebates of $20 and $50 when I return the brake shoes and the caliper (nothing for the master cylinder... ) when I can return them and get the refund. So net price will be $360. Wonder how that compares to your neck of the woods?



KRS

 

[Crazy Horse]

It's a shame to see a national store like napa even stocking anything imported from china. I would be real leary of any rubber products made in china for longevity.

 

[GAmes]

Some things just are not manufactured in the US any more, so NAPA, and every one else is forced to carry goods form China and many other foreign countries. I needed a new floor jack a few months ago, so I went to Sears. I figured since their prices were so high it would be made in the US. Nope, and in the months that have followed I haven't found one yet.

 

[Cosmo]

Even a lot of your Snap-On, Matco, Mac, and Cornwell tools are made in China. Usually the steel hand tools are made in USA, but the electronic/plastic stuff is all foreign.

 

[dcoffman]

I went to Sears for "Craftsman tools. Boy was I shocked, they're made in China. I ran down a Snap on truck, what I needed was made in USA. Most everything I've gotten in the past from NAPA was made in China. I was replacing an axle bearing on a 99 2500. NAPA's was made in China. Autozone had one and it was made in Altavista, Va. , which is only 12 miles down the road at theTimken plant.

 

[SNGLESHOT]

I have stopped going to my local NAPA, only as a last resort. Service personnel are not well trained or very knowledgeable. Prices are elevated more than necessary. I only go there as a last resort or emergency. Strangely enough, I have had excellent service, prices and military discounts at Advance Auto or Auto Zone. I always buy American when I can, but sometimes it is impossible. Wife and I went through Wal Mart a while back and just for kicks went looking for something, ANYTHING. . made in America. After 30-40 minutes we found a dusty, ugly old greeting card... made in America. I was bummed. We have nobody but ourselves to blame. The Market place dictates the price and now the supplier. Sad huh?

 

[dcoffman]

Sngleshot, I have an account at NAPA and get parts at wholesale,but like you I go as last resort. I put ujoint in my 3500 a year ago, and two where China, the other Japan. All three sling grease out. The ones that came on the truck never did. That when I started going elsewhere. Again Autozone has american made ujoints at the same price at NAPA. Therefore Napa's prices are higher if you don't have an account.

 

[mwilson]

In my opinion when you have to go to NAPA give them a chance to compete on the pricing.



They all have a generic cash sale account that is called "Service Tech" or "Trade" pricing which is quite a bit lower than over the counter pricing.

Tell them you would rather get it from them and that you have found one cheaper elsewhere.

Ask if they can do any better.

You will be surprised how many will bend if you give them the chance.

Tell them that you prefer their brand over another or something of that nature.



They are not my first or favorite choice either but sometimes you have to go to them.



Mike.

 

[KKnoedler]

Bendix brake parts can be found at Summit Racing, Akron, O. You can order online.

Moog ball joints / track bar at O'Reilly

SKF 4X4 front hub bearing assemblies at Pep Boys

Spicer U-joints at Driveline-One in Columbus, O.

Good US parts are hard to find but the extra effort is worth it.