I generally have an issue using any Chinese made parts in my cars because of the many posts about poor quality I've read. Well, I just acquired some new brake pads and rotors that are Made in China. I am trying to decide whether to keep them for future use or sell them. Any of you have good/bad experience with Autoparts International brake parts? See attached.

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Len
'59 220S Cabriolet-SOLD and living happily in Malta
'83 240D 351,500 miles original owner-SOLD
'88 560SL 41,000 miles - totaled and parted out
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I've used Duralast brake pads for years, never had issues. I'm sure they are cChinese made.

Just use em and get something different next time around if you don't like them. Chances are they will be fine.

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RenaissanceMan Labs: where the future is being made today.

Garage:

2017 Chevy Colorado Diesel (nanny state emissions)
2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, 77k
1987 Mercedes-Benz 300D turbodiesel, 4 sp auto, 156k - 28.7 mpg
1996 Tracker 4x4, 2 door, 16v, 3 sp auto. 113k - 28.6 mpg

WARNING: this post may contain dangerous free thinking.

Iron brake rotorss are pretty simple products, so I prefer to use economy brands and replace them with the pads. They're usually Chinese. You can get them for less than it costs to turn a set of Zimmerman rotors at the machine shop. The problem you may run into is lack of coatings on the non-friction surfaces, resulting in rusty edges and hubs. It's not a bad idea to paint these surfaces if they aren't e-coated or plated. And be sure to wash the friction surfaces with brake cleaner before you install. Nothing you wouldn't be doing with the expensive stuff. Give them a shot.

i probably wouldnt use chinese made brake components that used rubber, like hoses or the master cylinder, but the pads are probably fine.

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1981 NA 300D 310k miles

I have been using Made in China Brake Parts for a long time on all of My Cars with the excetion that on the Mercedes I used ATE Caliper Seal Kits.

Even if you buy Wagner or another used to be American Brake Parts they come from China now.
In theory Brake Hoses are supposed to met DOT Specs so at least there is some regulated Standard on them; unlike a lot of other made in China parts.

As the other Member said for a few dollars more then the cost of having the old one resurfaced you can get new China Brake Rotors.

I have always been a yearly low milage driver and I have had no failure of Brake Parts.

However, I have seen brake Pads comout of the Box with some defect on the surface. Check them at the counter before you buy.

If I lived in the Moutains where I had to do a lot of down hill breaking and there was a cliff just past the shoulder of the Moutain Road I would opt for better quality parts.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

If you are dead set on not using parts from China or another place you don't like I have found the eBay Sellers will often answer where the parts are made if you ask them. Once you know where they might be made you can then shop for a price.

Often eBay Sellers list the makers Part number for the Part and that also helps you shop.

Another problem is the well know US Parts makers/Sellers often have several grades of the same part. The lowest grade is often made in China.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

High quality parts can (theoretically) be made in China IF the manufacturer utilizes high specificity in the design, materials, manufacturing techniques, & assembly, PLUS follows through with fastidious QC. That being said (IMO) the vast majority of parts originating from China are obviously NOT manufactured anywhere close to those standards.

Prejudice about where things are made has some basis in fact, but one cannot always rely upon place of origin as an assurance of quality. About 15 years ago I had the unfortunate experience of having an almost brand new "made in the U.S.A" TRW lower ball joint fail catastrophically on one of my 107's. The ball carrier section literally sheared in half, allowing the front steering knuckle to come adrift - luckily at a low speed!

No matter what happens to your car, you ALWAYS want to be able to steer it and stop it. It doesn't matter if everything else fails, but don't ever skimp on anything that affects those two basic functions: Steering/Suspension and Brakes.

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Current rolling stock:
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1992 500E 217,000+
1995 E300D 412,000+
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Prior MBZ’s:
1952 220 Cab A
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1980 450SLC (#2)
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