Rant: I used to laugh at people who insisted on OEM parts for dryer repairs

For years I thought OEM parts were just a way for manufacturers to milk more money out of people. I'd throw in a generic belt or a cheap thermal fuse from the local supply house and call it a day. Then last November I was fixing a Whirlpool dryer for a lady in Oak Park, used a knockoff drum roller kit, and three weeks later she called me back with the same grinding noise. Took it apart and the cheap bearing had already seized up. I ended up eating the cost of the second repair and ordering the factory parts after that. Now I stick with OEM for anything that moves or gets hot, no exceptions. The cheap stuff might save you $15 up front but it'll cost you a return trip every time. Has anyone else had a similar experience with off-brand parts?

2 comments

2 Comments

oscar3903d ago

Oh cool, so you're telling me the $7 mystery part from some random bin wasn't a lifetime investment? I'm shocked, absolutely floored. But hey, at least you saved a few bucks and got a fun little project to do again a month later, sounds like a real bargain to me.

anthony_wells3d ago

Yeah I used to have that same mindset honestly, always chasing the cheapest option and thinking I was being smart about it. But seeing @oscar390's breakdown kinda made me realize you end up paying in time and frustration more than you save, lol. Now I'm way more willing to spend a few extra bucks upfront if it means not having to redo the whole thing next month.