Off Topic But Corvette Related - China Ball Joints - Beware

[Richard M.]

Re: Off Topic But Corvette Related - China Ball Joints - Beware

Joe, Yes true, just "replacement" grade. Actually, sub-micron-economy grade IMO.

I think I've paid ten bucks a piece, for..............special cotter pins !

[Mark E.]

Re: Off Topic But Corvette Related - China Ball Joints - Beware

This reminds us why it's best to buy parts from reputable, well known retailers who sell brand name parts.

I usually limit eBay purchases to used original parts (maybe NOS if I trust the source).

[Richard M.]

Re: Off Topic But Corvette Related - China Ball Joints - Beware

Rich------

Was this an OEM ball joint or was this an aftermarket replacement? If the latter, it's probably of the same ilk as the set you pictured above.

I'd be surprised if this was an OEM ball joint. Some OEM ball joints are very likely made in China but not made like this ball joint.

Joe, Sorry I just noticed your 2nd question......

Yes the ball joints in the first post were aftermarket. I don't have any other details of the parts at this time. I can get more info if you're curious.

Where it broke almost appears as if it was a spin welded piece, but also shows signs of a serious internal casting defect. Regardless, a bad part. Also, I was at a friend's repair business the other day and I explained this failure and described where it broke. he said he has had similar experiences with other marques. In one case a well know high end Japanese manufacturer car brand. I won't downplay it, but it began with a "L".

He said the car had under 100k miles and had a identical ball joint failure. Tore up the car wheel well area considerably.

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: Off Topic But Corvette Related - China Ball Joints - Beware

Joe, Sorry I just noticed your 2nd question......

Yes the ball joints in the first post were aftermarket. I don't have any other details of the parts at this time. I can get more info if you're curious.

Where it broke almost appears as if it was a spin welded piece, but also shows signs of a serious internal casting defect. Regardless, a bad part. Also, I was at a friend's repair business the other day and I explained this failure and described where it broke. he said he has had similar experiences with other marques. In one case a well know high end Japanese manufacturer car brand. I won't downplay it, but it began with a "L".

He said the car had under 100k miles and had a identical ball joint failure. Tore up the car wheel well area considerably.

Rich

Rich------


The ball studs should be forged steel. If these were some sort of casting, that's a major problem right there.

[Richard M.]

Re: Off Topic But Corvette Related - China Ball Joints - Beware

Joe, I chose the wrong words when I said "casting defect". I have no knowledge of it's manufacturing process, but just by observation it reminds me of a defective 5" bench vice I bought from Wilton USA several years ago.

It broke at it's outer lower jaw base and the company rep wanted detail photos to cover it under warranty. They refused at first. it was about a week in my possession.

When I sent the macro photos showing the internal flaws, the rep then conceded and said it was a serious manufacturing defect. I have the photos in a old email stashed away somewhere. They sent me a brand new vice, still in use today.

So I have a 50% hit rate with recent vice purchases.

BTW, The Wilton company manufactures here in the US and overseas. My vice came from China.

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