Warning! Bad A3 rear axles in the market!

[Number6]

I was replacing the rear stub axles on our 98 Jetta. Part No. 305 501 117 1. I obtained a pair from a reliable online vendor. One side went together fine, on the other side the outer bearing would not fit on the axle. (Neither would either of my old outer bearings.) The vendor sent me a replacement for the defective axle, and the outer bearing fit, but the inner did not. (Neither did my old inner bearings.) The customer service person at this vendor was not sure what brand these are; they seem unmarked as to brand and country of manufacture. One was made or inventoried in July 2008, and they have slight differences indicating different manufacturers or production runs. I then went to a local auto parts place and had them get two Febi axles in, along with bearings -- just in case something was odd about my bearings. None of the bearings fit the Febi axles, not the new ones they had, not my new ones, not my old ones. But all these bearings fit my old axles. The Febi axles say Germany, but also have a sticker on the box saying China. I ended up reusing the better of my two old axles.
So if you need to do this job, make sure to get bearings at the same time and have the vendor verify that they'll fit before shipping; or if you buy local, take your bearings in with you and check the fit. According to what I've just experienced, 80% of these axles are junk!

 

[yatzee]

thanks for the heads up

 

[aja8888]

I keep seeing junk new axle posts here and on a couple of other sites I frequent. ll seem to reference "China made". Is this a trend that we are seeing?

 

[G60ING]

I'd rather have a chinese EMPI axle then a NAPA rebuilt axle.

 

[yatzee]

I dunno, but I think i'm going to go used when i need axles for mine.

 

[12MPGHWY]

EMPI or napa rebulit REAR axle STUBS?

I'd rather have a chinese EMPI axle then a NAPA rebuilt axle.

 

[mopower]

So the Febi parts are made in China? What do I need to do to get quality parts these days?

 

[Number6]

Well this is a PITA, because it turns out I need a new one, my old ones won't do. I just called VW Parts Place and had them check an axle -- and the outer bearing didn't fit on it. They will scour their inventory to see if they can find me one that both bearings will fit. So I can now tell you that these bad axles have shown up in New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Kinda like swine flu, eh? Maybe an epidemiologist should be called in to track down the source of the problem.

 

[otm646]

Everything is made in china. They will build anything to your price. if you want to save 3 cents they will do it no matter the compromise quality.

Consult Mr.Chill if you want the full run down.