Brake parts quality- online vs local?

[Mn_Z_Man]

I am in a quandary over where to buy my parts. I like to deal locally whenever possible, but 2 local dealers want $125 per side for 12"X2" backing plate assemblies, compared to $50-70 for a popular online retailer (offering free shipping) Oddly, the master cylinder I need is same price everywhere. Are the $50 sets OK quality? I actually wanted to just replace the wheel cylinders and shoes, but that was more than the complete assemblies. Any thoughts? The local dealer said he got Dexter brand. I could do the shoes and cylinders for about $50 each- would that be a better quality option?

thanks

Eric

 

[2300max]

Re: Brake parts quality- online vs local?

Looking to do my brakes....I'll be watching replies.:

 

[camaro_z28]

Re: Brake parts quality- online vs local?

I bought a chepo set of 10" electric brakes online, paid less than half the local trailer shop wanted. I couldnt be happier, fit and function was great, been using them for 6 months without a hiccup. Its always a risk buying cheapo, but in my case it worked out nicely. I know this isnt the same setup you were looking at but same general system. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Brake parts quality- online vs local?

Ayuh,... The complete assemblies, Vs. parts is a no brainer,...

The complete kits are dirt cheap, 'n Easy...

I'd probably be buyin' on-line,... Money is money,... why waste it...

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Brake parts quality- online vs local?

cost doesn't dictate quality. For all you know, your local buy is just buying the cheap crap too and reselling it for $$$.

 

[possum2082]

Re: Brake parts quality- online vs local?

i just bought http://http://www.tiedown.com/aventedkit.html on ebay for 300 shipped.

couldn't be happier.

i sometimes feel guilty when i buy stuff online when i could buy it at a local shop. however, it's not like we're talking 5-10% more, we're talking almost 50-60%. that's a lot of money.

i'm a rock climber and i could not afford to climb if i bought all my stuff at our local shop. fact of life.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Brake parts quality- online vs local?

Well at $125.00 per side your local guy doesn't seem to have a problem gouging his local customers, why support that? I would be happy to pay ten fifteen bucks more per side and support local but tripple no way. Boat brakes are such a maint. item anyway I say see whats out there it is afterall just a drum brake system about as simple as it gets.

 

[Splat]

Re: Brake parts quality- online vs local?

I'm assuming your talking about etrailer.com? I've used their brake kits before and have had very good luck.

BTW unless something has changed the ones I ordered about 2 years ago were dexter brand.

Bill

 

[Mn_Z_Man]

Re: Brake parts quality- online vs local?

OK, thanks gang, great insights, internet it is!

Eric