30 replies to this topic

[bob540]

Are these ball joints from minispares as good as genuine ones? http://www.minispare...all joint .aspx The blurb on the page makes it sound like they are essentially the exact same part and I'm inclined to trust minispares but I'm not sure. I try to only use the highest quality parts when replacing things so I don't mind spending the extra cash if the Rover ones are better but I also don't want to throw money away for no reason.

[[email protected]]

Our ball joints are made by the same manufacturer as the Rover ones, the Rover ones include a slightly different locktab for the metal brake pipe, but other than that they are identical. Made at exactly the same factory

[Nick Warwick]

Our ball joints are made by the same manufacturer as the Rover ones, the Rover ones include a slightly different locktab for the metal brake pipe, but other than that they are identical. Made at exactly the same factory

 

I have used the minispares ball joints, pretty happy with them over all but 1 year down and the ball joint rubber dust covers have cracked and split. I haven't even done 2000miles, also the car is stored in a garage.

 

Not sure if you have had any other feed back on this Simon?

[Boycie]

Every single rubber component I have from Minispares has split and crumbled to nothing in no time at all.

Try and salvage your original ball joint dust covers- they last forever.

[Steve220]

Out of curiosity - have you guys got the disc heatshields still?

[bob540]

Our ball joints are made by the same manufacturer as the Rover ones, the Rover ones include a slightly different locktab for the metal brake pipe, but other than that they are identical. Made at exactly the same factory

Well you would say that ;) Like I said, I'm inclined to trust you lads at minispares but when there's a saving of over 65% to be had you can understand where the cynicism comes from.

[bob540]

Every single rubber component I have from Minispares has split and crumbled to nothing in no time at all.
Try and salvage your original ball joint dust covers- they last forever.

I'll try save the dust covers so. Had a look at them at the weekend and the covers look fine.

[Tamworthbay]

The rubber issues aren't isolated to minispares sadly. practical classics are still trying to find why the quality of rubber parts has become such an issue for many classics. There was a suggestion a while back that it was due to a change in the plasticisers used but as it doesn't affect new cars it seems I doubt that's the case. Wherever possible it's worth keeping original rubber components as long as they are serviceable.

[Youngowner93]

The rubber issues aren't isolated to minispares sadly. practical classics are still trying to find why the quality of rubber parts has become such an issue for many classics. There was a suggestion a while back that it was due to a change in the plasticisers used but as it doesn't affect new cars it seems I doubt that's the case. Wherever possible it's worth keeping original rubber components as long as they are serviceable.

Not just an issue with classics. The aftermarket automotive parts for many modern vehicles suffer from the same issue, doesn't seem to matter who manufactures it the same issue seems to occur. 

[Tamworthbay]

The rubber issues aren't isolated to minispares sadly. practical classics are still trying to find why the quality of rubber parts has become such an issue for many classics. There was a suggestion a while back that it was due to a change in the plasticisers used but as it doesn't affect new cars it seems I doubt that's the case. Wherever possible it's worth keeping original rubber components as long as they are serviceable.

Not just an issue with classics. The aftermarket automotive parts for many modern vehicles suffer from the same issue, doesn't seem to matter who manufactures it the same issue seems to occur.

It's weird, I have seen stuff that is forty years old and better than 6 month old stuff. Why no one can to the bottom of it is even stranger.

[firstforward]

 

 

The rubber issues aren't isolated to minispares sadly. practical classics are still trying to find why the quality of rubber parts has become such an issue for many classics. There was a suggestion a while back that it was due to a change in the plasticisers used but as it doesn't affect new cars it seems I doubt that's the case. Wherever possible it's worth keeping original rubber components as long as they are serviceable.

Not just an issue with classics. The aftermarket automotive parts for many modern vehicles suffer from the same issue, doesn't seem to matter who manufactures it the same issue seems to occur.

It's weird, I have seen stuff that is forty years old and better than 6 month old stuff. Why no one can to the bottom of it is even stranger.

 

 

About 3 years ago Aston Martin had this same problem on their new cars, the plastic grommets were failing after a short period of time. The rubber components were specified to adhere to DuPonts formulation which meant the materials were to be purchased from DuPont, unfortunately it was found the Chinese manufacturer was buying the materials from another source to make a better profit or just a profit,

 

The problem is solvable, it just needs somebody in the supply chain to take it seriously. That has to start with the likes of Minispares to contractually stipulate to their supplier that if not up to specification they have to buy back the goods or something along these lines.

 

I for one am happy to pay more for a better product.

[Tamworthbay]

The rubber issues aren't isolated to minispares sadly. practical classics are still trying to find why the quality of rubber parts has become such an issue for many classics. There was a suggestion a while back that it was due to a change in the plasticisers used but as it doesn't affect new cars it seems I doubt that's the case. Wherever possible it's worth keeping original rubber components as long as they are serviceable.

Not just an issue with classics. The aftermarket automotive parts for many modern vehicles suffer from the same issue, doesn't seem to matter who manufactures it the same issue seems to occur.

It's weird, I have seen stuff that is forty years old and better than 6 month old stuff. Why no one can to the bottom of it is even stranger.

 
About 3 years ago Aston Martin had this same problem on their new cars, the plastic grommets were failing after a short period of time. The rubber components were specified to adhere to DuPonts formulation which meant the materials were to be purchased from DuPont, unfortunately it was found the Chinese manufacturer was buying the materials from another source to make a better profit or just a profit,
 
The problem is solvable, it just needs somebody in the supply chain to take it seriously. That has to start with the likes of Minispares to contractually stipulate to their supplier that if not up to specification they have to buy back the goods or something along these lines.
 
I for one am happy to pay more for a better product.

me too, but sadly how many owners buy on price first?

[Fast Ivan]

Our ball joints are made by the same manufacturer as the Rover ones, the Rover ones include a slightly different locktab for the metal brake pipe, but other than that they are identical. Made at exactly the same factory

 

Simon, are they made from the same material, the same manufacturing processes including heat treatments?

[Shifty]

I've been using them for years and not had a problem.

[Spider]

 

About 3 years ago Aston Martin had this same problem on their new cars, the plastic grommets were failing after a short period of time. The rubber components were specified to adhere to DuPonts formulation which meant the materials were to be purchased from DuPont, unfortunately it was found the Chinese manufacturer was buying the materials from another source to make a better profit or just a profit,

 

The problem is solvable, it just needs somebody in the supply chain to take it seriously. That has to start with the likes of Minispares to contractually stipulate to their supplier that if not up to specification they have to buy back the goods or something along these lines.

 

I for one am happy to pay more for a better product.

 

 

 

Herein it would seem lies the problem. Someone in the supply chain (and I doubt Mini Spares) getting (dare I say it) Greedy.  And not helping local Manufacturing along the way.

 

In part it's because one or a few of the 'manufactures' (suppliers) have started down this road, the others - and not just in regards to Mini parts - have to follow suit to remain competitive, then before long the 'critical mass' of orders needed to keep a local manufacturer's doors open, has gone.

 

I'm happy to pay what ever for quality parts, but if they do start appearing on the shelves, we all need to support (ie purchase) them.

Edited by Moke Spider, 15 July 2015 - 09:33 PM.