maxima667

Hello - New to this forum, hoping for some good advice. I have an '04 Maxima auto transmission with 148K miles on it, running fine and plan to keep it awhile. I service it at the dealer because my mechanic is excellent, even though I know I'm paying a bit more. He pointed out to me yesterday a leaking front motor mount (the one with the electric motor in it), which will fail state inspection coming up in February. (I could probably take it elsewhere and get it passed if the inspector didn't notice it, but that's another story.) Plus, he pointed out that if the front mount fails, it could stress the other mounts and I could end up replacing all of them instead of just this one.
Bottom line is that I am planning to have it replaced. BUT, the dealer wants $200 for the mount. I looked it up on rockauto.com and it's going for $90 shipped. (BeckArnley #1041915) BeckArnley has been around since I was a kid (quite awhile ago), so I know who they are. But when I was a kid, everything wasn't made in China.
Here is my concern: I'll be paying 4 hours labor @ $100/hour, so I don't want to put in an inferior after-market part and then have it fail on me. The dealer will give me a 12 month/12K warranty on the entire job if I use his OEM part. Otherwise, if my aftermarket part fails, I pay the labor again. I don't want to be penny-wise and pound-foolish, but there is a big difference between $200 and $90.
Does anyone have direct experience with this part, or any experience on Beck-Arnley quality nowadays? Or should I bite the bullet and go with the genuine Nissan part? Thanks.

Terrentius

Well, if the part fails.....you are out more labour $$$ to have the issues fixed for the 2nd time. I would go with the dealership price, especially since both part and labour will be under warranty. $110 is worth it for that peace of mind, in my opinion.

Maxima2008

No experience with BeckArnley, but to keep it short, I would go with the dealership. Peace of mind and warranty can save you from sleepless nights.

maxima667

Thanks, I think you both are right. I'll go with OEM.

FenderGuy

I try an independent shop vs dealer...the independent shop would give you a warranty also on the work if they are a honest shop....I replaced my motor mount with the motor in it with an aftermarket part and it is fine, why would you think part would fail within a year? I think the dealer is feeding you a line to fit fill the dealers pockets