Has anybody one here actually bought and installed one of the Chinese “remanufactured” rear differentials that are all over Ebay and, if you have, what’s your experience of it? The prices seem too good to be true, considering it includes the full Haldex unit and I’m wondering what sort of quality they actually are. I know some OEM versions were actually built in a Chinese plant but it’s hard to believe this may be the source of them. All of the ads claim they have sold some but I’ve yet to find actual feedback from one of those sales.

Thanks.

I thought all the Haldex AWD stuff was made in Sweden, Hungary (and Mexico)?

There are lots of things I would buy Chinese-copies of. Body panels, exhaust components and other such things. There are only one or two factories that make carbon Golf bonnets, for example, so whether you pay £300 on AliExpress or £3000 from ECS, it'll be the same item.

A safety critical, mechanical item, with no background, such as a differential though...

The only such item I've seen with any success are the BONOSS bolts @travs uses. They're actually a pretty nice item, with rolled threads and (some) proof of being TUV tested.

We have a location in China where, just like our location, they manufactured the differential for the HAA450 axle. Different versions, that is.

It depends on if they are made to oe standard or not and what factory they came from. Have had a few chinese parts over the years and some were excellent copies while others very poor. Problem is telling which is good or not as they generally look ok. Cylinder head for old toyota lucida which was excellent and a fraction of cost of toyota. Replaced a honda GX200 engine with a Loncin and they are identical. Even honda parts fit and have had no trouble. Got chinese carb for chainsaw and wouldnt run due to one of the fuel ways not been drilled out. Reckon with a dif I would be looking at second hand or at least a reputable supplier that you have some come back if it fails.

4 hours ago, Alasdair1 said:

It depends on if they are made to oe standard or not and what factory they came from. Have had a few chinese parts over the years and some were excellent copies while others very poor. Problem is telling which is good or not as they generally look ok. Cylinder head for old toyota lucida which was excellent and a fraction of cost of toyota. Replaced a honda GX200 engine with a Loncin and they are identical. Even honda parts fit and have had no trouble. Got chinese carb for chainsaw and wouldnt run due to one of the fuel ways not been drilled out. Reckon with a dif I would be looking at second hand or at least a reputable supplier that you have some come back if it fails.

As with everything, if you know what you’re buying, you’re probably going to get a great deal. If you don’t, then sometimes it’s best to err on the side of caution. As said, the same factory can product different qualities (and, often, you’ll find that the lower quality items end up as different brands - take Hisense and LG, for example).

@Cairus I meant to tag you, but clearly don’t seem to have managed it!