All,
In a prior post I advised the group that I'd been told there soon would be
"no new CV joints available for EVs, only rebuilts."
I've since learned that that's not correct. In correspondence with Steve at
europarts-sd.com I've learned the facts:
"Actually, VW had purchased their original joints from Lobro, as does nearly
every European car manufacturer. They are about the only manufacturer of
these joints. For some reason, VW has opted to have some independent
company rebuild the joints here in North America rather than continue to buy
new units from Lobro."
I've long known that VW doesn't manufacture its own joints (in fact, VW or
any auto"maker" doesn't manufacture much at all....mostly they design,
assemble and market) so when I first heard that VW wouldn't be "making" new
joints, I assumed that meant that LOBRO wouldn't be making new joints. Not
true. Lobro will STILL be making new joints for the time being.
All of which points to the real value of working with independents like
Steve at europarts-sd.com and Ron at busdepot.com. Rebuilt CV joints will
not last nearly as long as brand new joints. If you only buy from the
dealer you'd have no choice but to get rebuilts (and very likely the
dealer's parts counter will tell you--falsely--that only rebuilts are
available). Steve and Ron know better, so work with them instead.
Mike
