A special case that OEM parts (PS belt) is cheaper?

[shanzhu1]

Hi,

I bought two belts (AC, and PS) from Autozone and timing belt from Toyota
dealer. On a second thought, I later also bought AC and PS belts from the dealer.

I suprisingly found that:

1. The belts from Autozone (Gatorback brand) are much stiffer. A careful
checking reveals that the thickness (especially the one fo PS) is not even around
the belts (it appears to be thicker at some spots). The inner side of the belts
are also made like teeth which is different than that of Toyota's.

2. The price of PS belt is actually cheaper ($9.90) from Toyota than the one from
Autozone ($17.xx). strange to me. The prices of the belt for AC are similar
($23 vs. $20, with Toyota's bit more expensive).


People in Autozone claims that the their belts are much quieter than Toyota's.
Anyone knows if it is true? Are those non-OEM belts are comparable with
Toyota's in terms durability/quality?

Thanks,
SZ
of

[ghettosled]

i don't know about the belts, but i know OEM was cheaper when it came to my crank seal. if memory serves me - about $60 at napa while toyota charged less than $20. i guess the one at napa was gold plated.

i would think OEM would be better quality being that (i hope) toyota corporate would oversee the parts they sell and a local auto parts store would just stock the lowest priced items with quality taking a distant second in importance.