Seal quality question

[BrianG]

I am in the middle of going through my front (Dana 44) axle assembly. I'm doing a lot of work on the ends of the axles and thought that I might as well change the inner seals as well. After calling my local Auto Value parts store, they have all of the seals in stock. They have both the "Parts Master" and "National" seals. The salesman said they sell a lot of each. The "Parts Master seals are only around $4 each for the inner's and the pinion seal. The National's are between 3 and 4 times as much. My question is, is it worth the extra money? has anyone had experience using the Parts Master seals. I've used National many times before without issue, but sometimes wonder if I'm just throwing my money away because a lot of times, I know the store brand are made by the big companies. I'm just trying to control my expenses in a sensible way. This thing seems to have a straw attached to my wallet lately, and its sucking up all of my cash!

[john]

Why not have them pull one of each brand and compare the quality of each. I used National and C/R seals. Never heard of Parts Master seals before.

[leddzepp]

Parts Master is the store brand for Star Auto I believe. I have used that brand and have no complaints. As John suggested, compare them side by side and judge for yourself.

[Fldawg]

i use parts master seals at work....no probelms, i think there made here,just check if they are, now on big truck stuff, national seals or stemco only

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Parts Master is the store brand for Star Auto I believe. I have used that brand and have no complaints. As John suggested, compare them side by side and judge for yourself.

"Parts Master" 'parts' are from Auto Value stores. Maybe they are regional to the mid west? possibly called Star Auto out by you.. not sure on that. There is an Auto Value store in just about every smaller town around here, I do know that. I like to shop locally, and one near where I live is really good about having parts for almost everything, including our trucks. I think I will compare them side by side. As far as the inner axle seals, they wouldn't be exposed to UV or anything, it would just be the material quality and how well they hold up to chemicals. I do have a locker in the front, so it will either have synthetic or lube with additive. I'll also look to see where each is made. If they are both US, then I may be leaning toward the Parts Master, however, if one isn't and the other is, that might also help to make up my mind.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I would use the National. Their quality is excellent. I have used other seals & have had problems with them. There is too much labor involved to take a chance.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by BrianG

I am in the middle of going through my front (Dana 44) axle assembly. I'm doing a lot of work on the ends of the axles and thought that I might as well change the inner seals as well. After calling my local Auto Value parts store, they have all of the seals in stock. They have both the "Parts Master" and "National" seals. The salesman said they sell a lot of each. The "Parts Master seals are only around $4 each for the inner's and the pinion seal. The National's are between 3 and 4 times as much. My question is, is it worth the extra money? has anyone had experience using the Parts Master seals. I've used National many times before without issue, but sometimes wonder if I'm just throwing my money away because a lot of times, I know the store brand are made by the big companies. I'm just trying to control my expenses in a sensible way. This thing seems to have a straw attached to my wallet lately, and its sucking up all of my cash!

I work for a bearing house, and I'd buy National its worth the extra $$, not sure about the Parts mstr. are the made in "China" ? I'd compare the two and ask them who mfr is?

[leddzepp]

All the Partsmaster brand stuff I used was made in USA. Upper/lower ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman arm, etc. Compared them side by side to Moog...they were identical.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

All the Partsmaster brand stuff I used was made in USA. Upper/lower ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman arm, etc. Compared them side by side to Moog...they were identical.

That is definitely good to know. I'll ask them to bring both out and try to see where they are made and compare the look as well. Thanks!

[BrianG]

Well, I ended up going with the National Seals. The inner axle seals were made In Mexico :-( The pinion seal was made in USA at least. The Parts Master seals were all maid in Taiwan. There was definitely a difference in the pinion seal look. The National looked much better. The inner axle seals looked the same however you could tell that the rubber material was different. I don't want to do this again later, so decided on the National's. Thanks for all of you input and advice.