Eurocarparts oddities
Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2024 9:33 pm
I need to replace both lower front wishbones on the Yeti - the MOT is coming up and the lower bushes were an advisory last year, and I can feel the play in them on the road now. Easiest to replace the whole arm than just do the bushes.
Anyway, parts are £400 from Skoda so off to ECP. Front left is £90. Same brand (Optimal) on the right is £190. That's weird. Only 1 of each in stock at the local branch.
Then I notice that they also have the same Optimal RH arm, but with the balljoint included/attached for £105. Double weird. Knowing that sometimes these are rivetted to the arm on aftermarket parts, I add one of each of the three to my basket and go and collect them at lunchtime.
Just had time to look at them and sure enough, I was unbolt the baljoint from the right arm* and it's identical to the £190 arm I also have bought. How does that pricing work then? The balljoint is a £25 part on its own!
Guess what I'm taking back to ECP for a £190 refund tomorrow?
*If you know the Yeti/Golf Mk5/6 platform the balljoint unbolts with 3 simple nuts from the arm. Much simpler than trying to split the balljoint out of the hub/upright.
Anyway, parts are £400 from Skoda so off to ECP. Front left is £90. Same brand (Optimal) on the right is £190. That's weird. Only 1 of each in stock at the local branch.
Then I notice that they also have the same Optimal RH arm, but with the balljoint included/attached for £105. Double weird. Knowing that sometimes these are rivetted to the arm on aftermarket parts, I add one of each of the three to my basket and go and collect them at lunchtime.
Just had time to look at them and sure enough, I was unbolt the baljoint from the right arm* and it's identical to the £190 arm I also have bought. How does that pricing work then? The balljoint is a £25 part on its own!
Guess what I'm taking back to ECP for a £190 refund tomorrow?
*If you know the Yeti/Golf Mk5/6 platform the balljoint unbolts with 3 simple nuts from the arm. Much simpler than trying to split the balljoint out of the hub/upright.