Reconditioned Parts

[StagnJag]

I have a question/Rant.

I have just installed a reconditioned rear hub on my Stag. the previous one was working fine, but when I removed it I saw swarf all around the dust shield so I figured failure was iminent so thought it best to fix it earlier rather than later :shock:.

I am still fairly new to the classic car scene and what I want to know is, what can I expect from a reconditioned part. In my mind it should be as near as damn it as fresh looking as when it originally left the factory. I seem to recall buying a recon alternator for one of my old cars and it being clean and pretty indistinguishable from a new part.

The hub I received was visually in much worse condition than the one that came off. All four of the studs had thread damage, albeit superficial. The threads were bunged up and I had to wire brush them all before the nuts would screw on easily. The threaded holes that take the brake drum screws were so badly corroded that I could not get the screws in. I don't have the correct sized tap and I was unable to obtain one on Saturday so I had no choice but to sit there in my kitchen and work the screw in and out until I could get it in sufficiently far. This took around two hours:X. Success is largely due to me wearing out the threads on the screws. The whole assembly had been quickly sprayed black over the surface rust and some of it came off when I wiped off the excess grease from just behind the wheel flange. Hopefully the components that I can't see i.e. the bearings are new and up to the job. The outside does not fill me with confidence.

I don't have a garage so I am limited to the tools I have available to hand and can use indoors, UJ's are a particular hate of mine, so having fought to get the UJ onto the new hub, I wasn't about to take it all apart again and send it back. I am also reluctant to send my old hub back to get my exchange surcharge back as it is generally in better condition than its replacement so I am out of pocket as well at the moment. GRRRRR.:X

So, are my expectations too high or is this the norm?

Sorry guys - I needed to let off steam a bit, I wasn't a happy bunny at the weekend!

Phew!

Dave

[stustag]

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Hi Dave

I agree a recon part show look like a nearly new part and the threads on all parts should be clean and free from damage.

The swarf you mention could it be from previous wire inserts being fitted to the trailing arm and not from the wheel hub?

In hindsight I would not of assembled it and sent it back under complaint, who did you get it from?

I know the UJ is a pain to remove but a Principal has to be set that none of us are prepared to except crap anymore!

Stuart

[Ian F]

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Dave - I think I'm beginning to understand your "rant", both from reading the forum and its beginning to be first hand experience.

I've just had my diff re-conditioned but, rather than just buy one off the shelf, I've had to take it out myself, take it to a specialist, get it re-conditioned and re-fit it again. I decided to do the trailing arm and subframe bushes as well and the quality of some of the parts - leaves a lot to be desired.

Did my own hubs, with a little help from an engineer and a dial guage, after having the stub axle end of the driveshaft modified so that I can fit the new GKN Rislan driveshafts. At least I know my bearings and seals are new.

It seems if you want it doing right - DIY - just a shame we can't all weld, spray, strip and re-build engines etc.

Not a rant - just an observation?

Ian F

[Bob Heritage]

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Not good enough Dave. I would let your supplier know your feelings.

Bob

[Gresley]

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I would certainly expect better than this. At least all the threads should be in good condition I would have thought.

[martin]

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Hi Dave, is the assembly second hand, or re-con, if second hand it's probably OK, depends hugely on how much you paid. Where did it come from ? Very important as we're trying to get some ideas on here as to who is safe to deal with. Martin.

[V Mad]

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You should expect, and demand that a reconditioned part requires no extra work to use it than a new part would.

Reconditioned parts is a problem area though, as it can be difficult to define and control. For example, when a starter motor is recon'd what parts should be replaced as a matter of course, for example bearings? I have heard stories of such electrical parts being cleaned and repainted and sold as reconditioned. If the part was still working OK as some of them will be, is that valid?

My approach to the above has been to use a local supplier who I know, has been in the buisness for 40 years, and will get repeat business if he does a good job. Unfortunately these local guys are disappearing as bigger companies are getting the work.

[StagnJag]

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I don't want to say too much yet, I haven't contacted the supplier and it is only fair to see what they have to say first.

I have just looked back at the description and it just says exchange, but after what I paid for it I would have expected it to come in a presentation box!

[GDPR]

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V Mad wrote:

You should expect, and demand that a reconditioned part requires no extra work to use it than a new part would.

Reconditioned parts is a problem area though, as it can be difficult to define and control. For example, when a starter motor is recon'd what parts should be replaced as a matter of course, for example bearings? I have heard stories of such electrical parts being cleaned and repainted and sold as reconditioned. If the part was still working OK as some of them will be, is that valid?

My approach to the above has been to use a local supplier who I know, has been in the buisness for 40 years, and will get repeat business if he does a good job. Unfortunately these local guys are disappearing as bigger companies are getting the work.

More likely they retire and no "young 'uns" want to do it instead...

If it ain't got a turbo and subwoofers they don't want to know

[Giles]

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talking of poor quality - my father just got a new starter solenoid for his 1961 Daimler fitted it and first try it stuck with the starter motor stuck on!

Phoned the supplier and they said that it was the first of a new batch! Apparently they are made in China and admit that the quality control is not much good! I suppose £22 +vat is too cheap but they are the only ones you can get. They just said do not worry just send it back! He is getting another one off them while he tries to get a second hand Lucas one!