As I was hoping that this would be the last time I'd have to deal with AutoZone, it then occurred to me that 8yrs ago I also replaced my starter with an AutoZone rebuild. I'm sure it won't be long...

Also last year, I replaced my fan clutch with the cheapest AutoZone part I could get because I was in a bind and it was the closest store. Granted, not a rebuild - I didn't maintain high hopes for made in China unit, but it still runs strong to this day. Conversely, the made-in-America Bech-Arnley unit that I'd purchased from NAPA years ago, failed about every 6mos - and reliably so. The oil began leaking out of every clutch and soon the fan just spun openly. Got a full refund on that one despite NAPA's protest. AFAIK, NAPA no longer does business with Bech-Arnley... at least not the one in Naperville.

Last fall I purchased a rebuilt alternator from NAPA... for no reason at all, if not for just the fact that my old one is approaching the 10yr mark. Swapped them out (kept the old one). One month later, the bearing went bad. Got a full refund on that too.

I just don't get it how these rebuild suppliers and the marketing chains can play this numbers game if the quality is so low. With as many bad units as I've seen in the last 5-or-so years, you'd think they'd be taking a loss on all that craptastic quality. The only other thing I can imagine is that it's now a game of psychology and they know that most consumers will just put their tails between their legs and walk away... temporarily until the next time they walk in the door for more abuse. "Thank you sir, may I have another?!"

And you'd think that having an inspector's quality assurance tag on the box would mean something. Apparently it means you'd better check it twice, then rebuild it anyway. Especially concerning brakes, you'd think they'd put a little more effort into it considering the potential liability.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> -> All this talk of quality assurance has me remembering my issues with Jasper Engines. Another remanufactured part that failed reliably. The last rebuilt unit I got delivered to my doorstep, tore it down, and re-rebuilt it myself. It's been working fine and strong for the last 5yrs now. Much longer than the one I had replaced every year under the 3yr warranty! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />