Counterfeit Car Part Exposed! Car Owners BE AWARE!

[@Eolafan1008]

Fortunately, some of us, like me, are located in, or reasonably close to the Chicago metro area and are therefore able to have their Toyota/Lexus vehicles serviced directly by TCCN Automotive… Otherwise known as “The Car Care Nut” and the issue of counterfeit parts is nonexistent.

[@riceburner4747]

I hate u! 😂😂🤣🤣 Seriously, good for u! 😉 I KNOW I'd go there! 👍✊🖖🇺🇸

[@QureshiMohammad]

You guys are lucky!!

[@JDMSwervo2001]

I’m actually in Chicago so he’s close to an hour away from me

[@MJA5]

but … you also live near Chicago 😂 - I keed I keed

[@Asian_Connection]

I hate you also. you are just too lucky.

[@davidc5027]

I bought 6 oil filters from Amazon and they said "Genuine Toyota". Well folks they were not. Using the CCN guide to spotting counterfeit oil filters, I was able to instantly spot that what I was sent was indeed counterfeit. Thank you CCN for your help in spotting these knock off's.

[@dbfcrell8300]

Hope you sent them back and told Amazon of your findings?

[@Asian_Connection]

No Amazon, Mercari, Ebay, they all have questionable stuff !!! The fakes are extremely good now.

[@kayinoue2972]

Toyota filters are less than $10 from the dealership. Why risk saving a couple of bucks from a third party seller?

[@Pau1ywog5]

@@Asian_Connection It's quite easy to spot a fake these days.

[@UpgradeUrWinRARTrial]

I hope you returned them, told Amazon they were fake, and then left a review so others don’t get tricked

[@Jantonvid]

The problem with Amazon is that they mingle inventory. You might have ten different “sellers” for a product, once Amazon gets those products from all the different sellers they put it all in the same “bin.” So could be 9 out 10 of the sellers are sending a good product and the other one fake products, you might just get the fake.

[@iceman9678]

The problem is Amazon.

[@Jantonvid]

@@iceman9678 Amazon is just a shipping company.

[@JollyGiant19]

@@iceman9678Indeed. This just illustrates that while someone else gets a real part, you very well might not.

[@skataskatata9236]

if the price is low, Amazon guarantees you that you get a total fake.

[@George-i6t6e]

It’s like a box of chocolates you never know what you’re gonna get….😂

[@hitman6191]

It's been happening for a long time. Ebay is the Biggest offender right now

[@CubNole]

Amazon has surpassed eBay for phony parts. Even aftermarket brands have knockoff copies sitting in Amazon’s warehouses.

[@SE45CX]

Ebay is just an marketplace platform. You have to judge if that seller is trustworthy. You wouldn't blame an entire city for a couple of bad retail stores, do you?

[@trdrav4]

@@SE45CX That is true, many Toyota parts departments sell their stuff on both eBay and Amazon as well

[@kayinoue2972]

There are a lot of good, legitimate eBay sellers that have been selling authentic parts forever. Many are actual Toyota dealerships! Ask your car community. They usually know who the good ones are.

[@trdrav4]

@@kayinoue2972 Exactly...and there are plenty of dealers that have their own website, such as Longo Toyota who do offer will call so you don't have to pay for shipping. This water pump was priced at 31.5% off of the MSRP so its within the ball park of even the Aisin from RA.

[@tigerman3]

Love this video! Another example of how bad things have really become over the past 10 years.

[@luckyguy600]

A shame as there are 'good ' aftermarket parts that come with a guarantee for their quality that take a hit also. Pig in a poke as they say. Buyer beware.

[@benmiles1620]

This ain't nothing new - always been cheap after market parts supply - sometimes better than original - only thing new about it is in regards to Toyota and Lexus - you cannot make it better or more reliable with aftermarket parts because made in Japan means done right in the first place unlike America which is about built in obsolescence

[@RotoRCol]

@@benmiles1620 good quality toyota parts are not even made in japan, many of them are made in China

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

I grew up and was raised in a time when your primary concern was to install the part properly. We didn't have to determine each and every time who was lying, cheating and stealing whenever we bought a part. It's a whole different trade today for many reasons but this one is becoming a bigger part of it every day. It's been the hardest one for me to wrap my brain around.

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

Yes, and it's a shame a modern competent mechanic has to spend 10-15 minutes inspecting replacement parts for fraud or OEM status, prior to installing the replacement part. Thank all the free trade, NAFTA,WTO,GATT, fancy word club international politicians and bureaucrats for this malignant issue.

[@RRaucina]

Yes, the joy of free trade with the heathen Chinee

[@airborne63]

Let's hear it for China.....made of Chinesium.

[@RotoRCol]

even toyota genuine quality parts are made in China and not in Japan @@airborne63

[@LAactor]

@@airborne63 cosign about letting our money go to CN but also chinesium is not what you're implying. It's pot metal resmelted to make a metal but less strong

[@garysuper1582]

I Worked at a "reputable " repair shop in Chicago land. The owner commonly used Non O.E.M. parts, sold, charged, and warrantied as o.e.m. His excuse was if they failed he takes the hit. Always hated the dishonesty of it.

[@mediocreman2]

Right. Especially since some people will sell those cars, or not return to that mechanic to get a warranty claim. They'll just get it fixed somewhere else or do it themselves.

[@denis4072]

@@mediocreman2 If the shop owner already a dishonest, it's likely he will say that is not the part that failed but something else.

[@regkarn1]

I learned my lesson the one time I bought spark plugs on ebay from what I thought was a reputable seller. I've used enough NGK spark plugs on our cars over the years that the boxes and plugs I got from the ebay seller didn't look quite right. I got six plugs from the auto parts store, compared to the plugs bought on ebay, and confirmed my suspicion. The ebay plugs were counterfeit. I returned those counterfeit plugs and got a prompt refund from ebay.

[@cal48koho]

Thanks A. You probably saved me time and money. I almost ordered a "genuine" Toyota MAF sensor on Fleabay which was half of my stealer price. Sucked it up and went back to the stealer and paid list happily.

[@luckyguy600]

you're a lucky man. Those parts you just don't buy cheap.

[@kradius2169]

... Fleabay. 🤣

[@mikehand2668]

You can order online from the stealer and it will be original and cheaper

[@mikey27437]

AMD, it also depends on a manufacturer. Genuine VW water pumps were notorious to fail prematurely because they vw insisted on a plastic impeller on a steel shaft. So people who knew would opt for aftermarket parts which had impellers made of metal. And those were lasting much longer than genuine vw part from a dealer.

[@jaydaytoday3548]

Don't compare Toyota quality with VW. They are not even in the same stratosphere.

[@mikey27437]

@@jaydaytoday3548 have you ever heard “Never say never”. my worst car experience happened to be 1991 Tercel. I bought it because I heard multiple miracle stories about 4Runner, Land Cruiser and hi lux reliability wise and never question Toyota’s reputation. That Tercel was a rude reality check.

[@TheCompyshop]

That’s not a big deal, but when we’re dealing with electric motors in electric water pumps you want high quality.

[@TheCompyshop]

@@jaydaytoday3548I wouldn’t go that far. If you compare similar models you’ll actually find that the VW is very close. Take Camry for example. I’ve seen plenty of 300-400k mile Passats. The less complicated the car is the more reliable it is. That’s why Toyota is reliable. If you go for a less complicated German car, same thing happens

[@411nightnheaven]

​@@TheCompyshoppassats rott like hell, while camrys dont.

[@ejeruksperes]

PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) is a joint venture company between Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan) and Astra International Indonesia. Toyota is currently the biggest car brand in Indonesia and the widespread of counterfeit parts are a huge problem for us too. I suspect this type of counterfeit parts with the box and labels are the one that got exported for the Indonesian market. Great video and thanks for the heads up AMD!

[@ryanmw64]

I was about to point that out the PT Toyota Astra Motor is from Indonesia. It seems that you need to check if these parts are counterfeit or it was made for Indonesian market. Counterfeit sadly exists and sometimes it’s hard to look for it especially for people who are not used to see these parts.

[@ejeruksperes]

@ryanmw64 Yes! Original Toyota parts for the Indonesian market came with an identical box, plastics, and label with the USDM one that AMD shows us, and most of them are made in either Indonesia or Thailand. If the label says made in Japan, your best bet is to inspect the parts itself thoroughly to make sure it is indeed an original. Made in Japan parts are extremely expensive here, and if the prices are too good to be true, then it probably is!

[@wadet73]

Sir, you are a valuable asset to the auto industry. I appreciate everything you do be it a vehicle review, parts review or a repair on a 600k mile Lexus. Thanks for creating wholesome content.

[@merrillschaps2325]

Unfortunately, where I live in Wisconsin there isn't a close Toyota dealership. However, I know Rockauto does a really good job at looking for counterfeit parts. I stick with the main brands like Aisin, Denso, NGK (NTK), Advics for brakes, as these are the main companies that manufacture the parts for Toyota.

[@luckyguy600]

Rock Auto Rocks and has 'never let' me down on any part I purchased from them. Period! And talk about fast delivery ... super, especially when your reduced to riding your bicycle just to get around.

[@drsg9124]

rockauto is great for buying aftermarket parts or parts that are OE Suppliers but you cant buy an OEM Branded part from them. It's important to some people and in some circumstances to get the straight OEM part.

[@21Piloteer]

​@davetrinh9124 Rock Auto does sell Genuine GM parts.

[@abdullahipad7664]

@@drsg9124 as far as Ford goes, they do sell OEM parts

[@drsg9124]

@abdullahipad7664 oh that's great that they sell gm and Ford parts. But yeah for any Japanese or euro brands I've worked on they never had oem brands.

[@dwheeler016]

I fell for this with my previous mechanic when I wanted the time belt replaced on my Camry. He suggested the "kit" with a water pump and belt tensioner. Three years later, the water pump was leaking. My new mechanic told me it was all Chinses parts. I asked him replace them with Toyota parts. I paid the labor rate twice in three years, but at least I have Toyota parts. Never again.

[@glasser2819]

do not feel too bad... Honda dealer replace the TBelt only, not the WPump, not the tensioner and not the idler !! - So you pay multiple as well.

[@mikehand2668]

I’ve replaced the belt twice , every 100k , still have original water pump and tensioner, no problems

[@mikehand2668]

227k runs just fine

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, Thanks for the exposure of an ugly issue facing car owners. 🤨

[@perchancethishandleiswens]

PT.Toyota Astra Motor is one of the largest automobile trading company in my country. It's a joint venture between Toyota and Astra International. They manufacture engine components, stamping and car assembly here. They export cars for other markets in South East Asia. Because of this, there are people in "some countries" that made these fake parts and we're sold for a bit less but they always miss the holograms, the serial number and you couldn't scan the barcode. I am beyond surprised that one of these got to your hands.

[@CamKrazy2000]

As every Toyota or any other dealership tech knows, there are 3 different part prices. Wholesale, list (MSRP) and shop prices. The list prices are the ones that you're supposed to pay but you're gonna pay the shop prices when you get your vehicle serviced at a dealership. The shop prices are usually about 30% more than the list prices. You'll see the difference when you actually go to the parts counter, pay for the parts yourself and give them to the service writer.

[@nwsvndr]

When you go to the Toyota parts counter as a DIYer, can you get the same price that "Joe's Garage" would get? Don't you have to incorporate as "Joe's Garage" to get that reduced price?

[@CamKrazy2000]

@@nwsvndr No, you can't get the whole sale price unless you have a business account with the dealership. Let's say you took your car to a dealership and they recommended replacing the front rotors and pads. The parts price you would be given (probably more than $300) would be the shop price. You can just go to the parts counter, buy the parts yourself (MSRP) and give them to the service writer. The price will be a lot less than the quote you were given by about 30%.

[@rabbitears333]

For anyone else's reference, Subaru of America has the same recommendations to the dealership. Many dealerships offer to sell parts at the "wholesale" price level if you purchase the parts from the dealership's parts website. If you perform a service at a Subaru dealership in the USA, The dealership is recommended to charge the customer at the "shop price".

[@Ronimi-p4c]

@@CamKrazy2000thank you that’s the answer I needed from AMD

[@raycollington4310]

Great video, great message. Well done for educating us on the question of component specification and quality. We live in the wild west where unfortunately, price is king. As someone who used to buy truck parts back in the day, I've seen horrendous consequences of fitting cheap copy friction material. You're preaching to the converted with me. Thank you all at TCCN Public Service Broadcasting.

[@joshuamerrill2422]

Thanks for the encouragement. I’m a DIY mechanic on my own cars. I definitely have my limit on how far I’ll go into tearing a car before I go find a professional

[@itsnotme07]

Most shops won't install customer parts, and those that do, at least around me here in North Texas, won't warranty the part, of course because they don't know where it came from. I wonder how many are checking to see if the customer brought them a counterfeit part? Great video! I hope I never fall victim to it!

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

That's standard practice.

[@realfreedom5029]

Those counterfeits are using very deceptive practices, and it shouldn’t be allowed.

[@luckyguy600]

Then governments would be in the same category, and that isn't going to happen any time soon. It is indeed a 'Big Swamp'

[@speed8701]

The word ""counterfeits"" imply it isn't allowed however our Government could not care less.

[@trekinseattle]

Billions of losses. This is, has become a massive problem. All imports from China needs to stop.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

We have no control over what they make in China.

[@_PatrickO]

Apple can block shipments into the US of genuine parts pulled from bad phones by falsely calling them counterfeit. But customs is unable to block actual counterfeit toyota parts? Customs is ridiculously broken. They serve crap companies like apple and ignore real counterfeits.

[@robertbrowning7925]

Counterfeit parts can be a real problem. Case in point, counterfeit fuel pump lasted 2 weeks and left customer stranded. Counterfeit brake shoes de-laminated and locked up the rear wheel. The list goes on, but totally like the video and the calm and professional way he explains it. Thank you for posting this.

[@greasemonkey90065]

Bless you for your honesty AMD. Good mechanics are worth their weight in gold. I do a lot of work on our cars at home, and when I get stumped, I'm fortunate to have a mechanic here in my area that shares your honesty and NO Non-sense advice. The technicians and his shop does here are worth every penny. I learned a while back that parts from the dealership are the way to go, except for some maintenance parts I vetted from NAPA for my really old cars. I'm also fortunate enough to have a good dealership that prides itself on honesty and quality as well. I've found that if you shop around, some dealerships sell their parts cheaper than others, especially if you buy in bulk or your service/bought your car at the dealership, and this my case thankfully. You just have to live by the buyer beware mentality.

[@malcolmboynton7652]

as a retired tech i've seen this too often. however as i no longer have access to a lift i had my local toyota independent (similar to you) replace the steering rack on my 06 tacoma. napa came in about half the price as oe AND with a 2 year guarantee parts AND labor. they will pay the shop if necessary. you gotta shop when you have an old vehicle.

[@averyalexander2303]

I completely agree, thanks for making people aware of this important issue! I recently ran into this with my friend's van. It was due for a timing belt and he found a supposedly OEM kit on eBay for about $150 with the timing belt, serpentine belt, water pump, idler pulleys, tensioner, seals, etc. I tried to tell him there's no way it's legit when all those parts from the dealer were nearly $600. Long story short, he bought it anyways, everything in the kit was obviously fake, and the seller wouldn't give him a refund.

[@jayjaynella4539]

I bought 1 of those kits delivered to my door for my 2001 Camry mcv20R. All the parts except water pump were made in US or Japan. Quality parts. $247 to my Australian door from California. That was 100,000 km ago. No problems since then. Locally would have cost over $600 but I would have had to go to 4 dealers to get the 11 parts in the kit.

[@hotpuppy1]

Depends. Some dealers will really screw you on the parts (and labor). When checking prices, go to several places: dealer, local parts store, major online reputable retailer. THEN choose.

[@averyalexander2303]

@@hotpuppy1 Good point and great advice, that's very true. In this case, we got the same parts from a reputable online seller for about $450. There were a few kits listed on eBay by highly rated sellers for around $400 and those could have been legit, but we didn't risk it. My point wasn't that you can't get better deals that the dealer is offering, just that a new supposedly OEM part that costs 1/4-1/3 of what reputable sources are selling it for is a HUGE red flag. The one exception is sometimes parts are sold much cheaper in other countries, so if someone in another country is selling a part for somewhere around its list price in their country, that's not suspicious in itself. For example, I've gotten great deals on parts from reputable sellers in Japan just because parts for Japanese cars are sometimes way cheaper there.

[@jeffro221]

@@jayjaynella4539 You said the parts (except water pump) were made in US or Japan. And how do you know they were? The fact you got 100,000 km out of them shows you probably did get genuine parts. My point is, just because a part says made in US or Japan, how do you know it was? You got lucky.

[@agostinodibella9939]

These fake parts really piss me off. You don’t know what you are getting if you don’t know what to look for. AMD, your previous video really opened my eyes. Thank you!

[@bucho969696]

Every since watching your channel, I always go to the dealer to get my parts.

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

Most real auto repair shops do too. Though there are some parts with a different label that are the exact same part.

[@bucho969696]

@@user-bc6ok1yh4s yup 👍just needed to get my lock assembly on the Lexus and the Aisin is the same as OEM. Save $100 on it.

[@thurstonnguyen5691]

You are 100% correct about counterfeit, parts, not original from Toyota. But how did they do that freely? In Boston, there are few shop did that- they got the original as customers requested, but when they installed not original parts. But they did charged original part installed. I'd took the parts out and comparing to the original from another vehicle, they were not the same after short time the parts failed. This world just not the same like in the 1980s to 1990s. Thank so much for such real issues in our online shop world. Amazon a place so many unpredictable products with so many problems- liked a battery replacement for MacBook and MacBook Pro, they last 64 days and swelled- at stage of explosion after charged. Luckily was disconnected after fully charged.

[@griffinreitz7041]

They are counterfeiting everything now days. I got a set of AC Delco plugs a few months ago that simply were not right. I never dreamed they were counterfeiting something as small as plugs ? I got hold of Amazon and they apparently could care less. Only parts I buy online now days is from a dealer.

[@redbaron6805]

Amazon is 99% of the problem as they simply don't care.

[@hurstbear]

Thank you for putting this out there. You are such an amazing, honest man!

[@garybechtel5902]

I miss the live streams so very much you are a great man if everyone was just like you it would be a much better world thank you for being you

[@fatbudgiekillen8997]

I have been in the industry now for 43 years, if you see something cheap on line, it's cheap for a reason. I had a customer supply his own radiator for a land cruiser, half the price of what I could purchase it for. Looked great but when the time came to fit, the side mount brackets were millimetres out, needing modifications. Ended up being more expensive than original.

[@Elainehoshino12]

PT Toyota-Astra Motor (also called TAM) is an automobile trading company based in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is a joint venture company between Toyota Motor Corporation and Astra International with a distribution of shares of 50% and 50% respectively, acting as a sole agent, distributor, and importer of Toyota vehicles. It has been the best-selling car brand in Indonesia every year in a row since 1997.

[@luckyguy600]

Hmmm? Now that is interesting information. At least we are in the right quadrant of the world for such issues with parts 'that might fall under suspicion' for quality/ remanufactured and sold as new/ same as Toyota USA/CANADA parts should be just like the one you took off and replaced.

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

Wow, super comment! Let me have a go at google.

[@normanyong6207]

Hi, I am from Malaysia. For your info, Toyota and Daihatsu parts from P.T Astra is from Indonesia. Some of the parts are of dubious quality especially from online resellers. I enjoy watching your video and keep up the good work.

[@craig357]

Awesome video. Just wish you could get hold of a Toyota/Yamaha 2ZZ GE engine and do a full review and strip down, including timing gear/cams/pistons etc.

[@mygarden365]

You Sir, have a true way to comunicate. Every word You spoke, was clearly explained, for the customer's value, and a repaired auto. Very well said.

[@dougwilkinson-uq3xr]

To me, this video is why I watch your channel!!!

[@AlexCarloss]

These counterfeit car parts is a problem everywhere because everywhere we'll find car owners that first looks for low prices when buying a spare part for his/her car. A common practice here in Brazil, when a customer gets his parts from the internet and asks the mechanic to just install it, is to do the work advising the customer that no garantee is granted for that labor, meaning that if the part fails, the customer will have to pay for another labor. Best regards from Joinville/Brazil. I have a 2016 Sentra and I enjoy your videos and lessons, thanks!

[@drdiabeetus3061]

eBay and Amazon both suffer from this issue. I identified multiple counterfeit parts from both. CCN is absolutely right. If it’s too good to be true, it most likely is. Some counterfeits will charge only 20% less, so really question the integrity of the seller. I use dealer only for crucial parts now and reputable online resellers for aftermarket (rock auto, parts geek, Napa, etc.) Even small ticket items like PCV valves are being counterfeited!

[@nickaa827]

So true, I bought a pcv valve "kit" for my Rav4 that was meant to include genuine parts, but the seller intentionally was vague in response to my direct question: Are these parts genuine Toyota? He said they are OEM. What he meant was that they are some aftermarket junk listed with Toyota part numbers to make you think its genuine.

[@chilidogcats]

I bought a used 2004 Solara with just under 20K miles last year. The original owner just did diy oil changes. Well all the belts needed replacement every 6 years because they age and dry rot.Six year maintenance wasn't done! Spark plugs needed to be removed so they don't freeze up. Fluids changed because they're 18 years old! I made sure to buy parts direct from the dealership and AISIN. Your timing belt video was very helpful. Now I have peace of mind because I know I've used genuine parts and I was meticulous installing them.

[@Splarkszter]

Love that you are so reliable, thank you for your genuine work!

[@poot111111]

Of all the places to cheap out on, the customer went with the water pump ??? I'm seeing many MANY trips to the mechanic in his future

[@Troy_Built]

That was my thought. I could see doing it on a strut but not something that critical. I'm sure like many he simply didn't do much homework and assumed it must be an OE part because that's what's printed on it.

[@rcautoparts1]

Great video! I'm a parts interpreter here in Western Australia and have been in the automotive industry fo rthe best part of 30+ years. In my time as a parts guy, i have seen some real interesting fakes. A big one i can recall was NGK spark plugs. All they were was recon s/hand ones , cleaned up and put into dodgy home made boxes haha. No wonder they were $2 aud each . I have even seen after market parts like water pumps and air filters, that were actually genuine products, just with the genuine logo rubbed off. A classic for that is a clutch slave for a JZA70 Supra . The aftermarket is a genuine part, with the Toyota logo ground off. PT Toyota Astra is actually Toyota Indonesia. They manufacture Toyota models for the Indonesian and other south east asian markets. Being a genuine Toyota manufacturer, the quality is there. That part would definatly not be made by PT Toyota Astra , but instead, made in someones back garage.

[@JoshuaOlsonM]

Thank you for spreading the word AMD. Since becoming a DIYer this is an unfortunate reality I have been fortunate enough to learn prior to making any mistakes. Thankfully dealerships often have sales on parts around certain times of year and I save a few bucks by stocking up on regular maintenance items (engine oil, diff/trans fluids, oil/cabin/engine filters, spark plugs, etc.). I encourage people to search for deals at dealerships in other states as well.

[@rhodium69]

I always have that fear of buying something outside the dealership's and this counterfeit parts look so good that most get fooled , but looking closely you can spot some of the signs of it being a fake.

[@novrendisaragih8010]

PT TOYOTA Astra Motor is Toyota manufacturing plant in Indonesia... very common counterfei part labelled this way. You can find almost every part that is counterfeited. Even the seller will let you know that they sell counfeirt part by saying it OEM quality grade 1, grade 2... its you choice.

[@Sly_Mango]

The non oem looks it was cast from the oem one and making it out of recycled aluminum. Rubber gasket has expiration the reason why Toyota water pump doesn’t come with gasket pre installed. I believe the rubber gasket is added to the box at the time it was ordered. (When you buy they pick up the rubber from their element room and put it in the box with water pump ) The rubber are usually kept in a room with controlled temperature.

[@HawkingHorizon]

Yeah, even with KZbin video compression the difference in quality is clear, the lines on the genuine product are considerably sharper than the counterfeit, indicating it's precisely cast.

[@RoRo-kc8zv]

Probably get about 3 cars a month that the new “online parts” failed. As a technician at an independent shop I always recommend OEM parts . If you don’t want any headaches just get OEM

[@steverasmussen1905]

May the good Lord continue to bless you sir. Love you and your content.

[@AutomotiveMobileTechnician2022]

Good information. Only one big problem...You are giving the counterfeit company clue of what they have to correct.

[@derb0507]

I wish you were in my area. It’s hard to find a good and honest car repair shop for my toyotas.

[@wolfeadventures]

Another way to tell fake parts is to weigh the original part with a precise kitchen scale. Use grams for the unit of measure. A counterfeit will be much lighter than the original. Allow for a very small variance in manufacturing of oem parts. I have used this method along with visual inspections as mentioned for years for many items.

[@86AW11]

There is a pretty good chance the "counterfeit" part is a Toyota part made by Toyota Astra Motors. If so, the part wasn't intended to be sold outside that market.

[@gregjohnson2073]

Toyota Astra Motors is based in Indonesia. It is a joint venture company with Toyota. Therefore not counterfeit.

[@sl0907]

It's a fake part. No OEM will stamp the production country on later; separately from the original label. I've seen OEM parts that are made in china from a joint venture with an OEM(Dongfeng Nissan) with specific labels for the joint venture. These hybrid Toyota vehicles are mostly made in japan so it makes that a critical electronic parts like this pump is made there as well. There shouldn't be that many physical/packaging differences for the same parts that are supposedly both made in japan out of the same factory. Toyota astra motors had no hand in manufacturing this part so there is no reason their label should be on it.

[@tails300]

The Counterfeit part probably will work, but for how long? Not only that how do we know that the motor spins at the right rpm for optimal coolant circulation. These counterfeit electronic parts tend to have weak electric motors that don’t operate correctly (not just cars but computers and video game systems suffer from the same thing).

[@duffman247]

Amazing video. I have 280K on my 2010 Prius, I worry every day about the water pump.

[@xjinit]

Why not just change it?

[@MrMattDat]

Great video! You mentioned one item that is worth repeating, manufacturers get their own parts from different factories over time. The packaging and quality can change over time.

[@nordicpride9708]

It really makes me angry how many counterfeit parts there are out there now. Always buy from a dealer, local auto parts, or a vendor like rockauto. Hard to trust anyone else in this day and age.

[@RGNHomeSolutions]

Bought calipers and rotors from Rock Auto. Work well, but rusty and make my car look like a junk car. I guess I'll have to paint the calipers now.

[@nwsvndr]

TCCN is making me suspicious even of RockAuto. Guess I'll start buying from the Toyota parts desk, and pay 50% more.

[@nordicpride9708]

@@nwsvndr Rock auto doesn’t sell any OEM Toyota parts. They do sell AISIN who make most of their parts. I’ve confirmed the DENSO plugs RockAuto sells are indeed genuine.

[@timmueller1314]

I've been buying from Rockauto for years but recently have had a few problems. A EGR valve that had been returned by another customer under warranty was sent to me by mistake as new. A Acdelco water pump that the picture showed having a cast iron impeller came with a stamped steal one. It was real Acdelco but that model pump didn't use a cast iron impeller. The picture was wrong. A MAP sensor that's supposed to be OEM, has a sticker that says Acdelco, but just doesn't look right. The part number sticker doesn't match or even come close to any numbers in the online Acdelco catalog. Plus the Rockauto picture shows the sensor including the green silicone electrical connector gasket but it's missing on the part I received. I returned and received a refund for the EGR and will be returning the last two parts. I've never been burned by Rockauto but you have to carefully check parts you get from anybody.

[@nordicpride9708]

@@timmueller1314 That can happen with any online vendor. Nothing new. Shit happens. As far as authentic parts, RockAuto is solid. I buy all my Japanese NSK bearings from them. Glad they made it right by refunding you!

[@TastySurrealBowl]

Every time I watch one of your videos I have more and more appreciation for your making these. Always straight and to the point, good info, and well stated. Please keep them coming!

[@konbonwa]

At 4:39 there is what looks like a circular installation warning mark with a raised slash line through it. The slash slants in opposite directions on each part.

[@roderickroderick7216]

I work at a Toyota plant. The second I looked at the font I knew which one was fake.

[@Cocora22]

The biggest problem is many mechanics are not honest like you.I've had some who DO put the original part in but high jack the price by 20 or 30% saying they had to pay for it to be delivered. Now that's a lie. I had one say he did a transmission fluid service on my Escalade, nope he only charged me for it but didn't do it at all. I have a GX 460 and I get my oil filters at the dealer each one is under bucks!!!!! I'm not near Chicago but if I can when I am due for a transmission fluid change, I'm planning a trip there and havin AMD do it!!!!

[@Asian_Connection]

The word honest and mechanics doesn't ever go together in one sentence

[@Leonardokite]

Wow, that really sucks. Thanks for the heads up!

[@pedrofernandez8729]

When it comes to electronics, you must always buy the actual OEM part. Even things like MAF sensors.

[@modernneanderthal6970]

As a mechanic of 20 plus years I love your videos, some people may say the parts warehouse stores are just as good. I digress, I've seen even counterfeit aftermarket parts. The differences in this video scream, even my wife could tell the difference just by the boxes and the bar code. I know oe parts are generally much more expensive but I would rather do the right thing by a customer

[@LAactor]

NEVER tell a mechanic you can DIY it. Ahmed types are RARE. Most will see that you tried and to discourage you they will charge you more than it would have cost if it were a straight job and not a fix so they can discourage you from taking "food from their table." And they really see it that way. I know this specific situation and now because of the scamdemic and people losing money from places being locked down, they'll just gouge people. Charging more on parts too.

[@joeme]

As a packager of car parts for two of the big 3, I can say there are a lot of parts that come with the gasket installed. We put notes in the instructions to check for them. As the guy that figures out how to pack them well enough to make it to the depots, I have seen three different colors inmaterials over the years. I have also seen the A over stamped by B and given a new part number.

[@deaconmichaeljoens8206]

Thanks, AMD. At my local dealership, I can order parts online, most of them with a significant discount (e.g. 26% off MSRP for the water pump in your video, $249.30 vs. $337.14), and then pick them up at the dealer to save on shipping. I'm not doing much DIY due to lack of a garage, but for the few things I can do I just get the parts from the dealer. I also found that most parts (at least simple stuff like wiper inserts, filters, etc.) are actually cheaper at the dealer than at Amazon.

[@mikehand2668]

You can do that then hand them to the dealer and let them install them , they will

[@kevinmurphy3464]

Absolutely correct. I always try to buy from the dealer if it’s for the motor ( including filters), brakes or electrical components.

[@tuffytoys9707]

Yes there is a difference in quality with counterfeit parts and it has become increasingly difficult to tell them apart. Further to add pain to this wound, some genuine companies who made quality replacement parts such as belts, water pumps, pulleys, timing kits etc like "Gates" now make their parts in China instead of Japan or the US etc so the difference in appearance and feel is not as simple to determine which is genuine and it only gets worse the older the vehicle. However, the older the vehicle it seems to cost less money and be more reliable than new ones these days. Strange now how "NEW" Does not mean what it once did.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

China is the worst thing that ever happened to the world.

[@deanos1993]

I bought a Denso 950-0107 fuel pump from amazon as preventative maintenance on my LS430 - Its still running fine and reviews are good; but I have been paranoid ever since!

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

If it's an authentic Denso replacement part, you're good to go.

[@wileecoyote5749]

I have 3 more payments then my '85 Dodge Aries K will be free n clear.

[@kenhenry297]

Very helpful! I order as much as I can from the dealer and the rest of the time from Rockauto if the Toyota part is too expensive. I always stick to Aisin, Denso, and NGK parts whenever I can't get the part from Toyota.

[@craigjorgensen4637]

So, what is the difference between a “counterfeit” and an aftermarket part? Back in the “old days” a lot of the aftermarket parts sold in Auto Parts Stores were often better than the OEM parts. As an example, Airtex water pumps would far outlast the OEM pumps. Moog ball joints and other front end parts never wore out compared to the OEM parts! No shops replaced these parts with dealer sourced parts! Has something changed?

[@thomasmiddlebrooke1012]

The biggest difference is that aftermarket parts aren't posing as OEM made. They may claim to be made to "OEM Spec" or something, but they won't claim to be Aisin or Denso when they aren't.

[@JohnSmith-mk8hz]

For one thing, credible aftermarket suppliers don't try to disguise their products with Toyota labeling. If their product is good, they put their own name on it. Oh and Moog is Chinese CRAP now.

[@craigjorgensen4637]

@@JohnSmith-mk8hz Sadly, I’ve heard that about MOOG. A once great company has sold out. Probably to the Chinese. I recently heard that Dorman products are now junk. This wasn’t the case in the past when they made great products!

[@craigjorgensen4637]

@@thomasmiddlebrooke1012 Gotcha! Counterfeit IS like counterfeit currency.

[@tdgdbs1]

555 suspension parts if you can find them. They are made in Japan and near OEM in quality. @@craigjorgensen4637

[@accordinglyryan]

This remains a big reason why I often go to the dealership or an OE supplier for my parts. It's not worth the gamble buying stuff on eBay/Amazon

[@gregorymacneil2836]

I completely agree with you about Toyota Parts - BUT (BIG XL BUT!) - There is one part I purchased that was NOT OEM Toyota and it proved out to be so much better than the original. The AC CLUTCH! Mine burned out and all the Toyota dealer offered me was a whole new AC Compressor for $1000.00± . When I asked if the AC Compressor could be repaired they just kept repeating that "the unit is not working - there are no repairable parts - you need a new AC Compressor" - So just to satisfy myself before forking over $1000 I went online and found a discussion and repair video with a link to an $18 replacement AC clutch from China. The $18 included shipping. It took 3 weeks to arrive by regular mail and was was wrapped in Chinese news paper from the factory - so - I figured what the hell have I got to lose except 45 minutes of installation. That $18 Chinese part has been on my 2013 Tacoma for 6 years already and the AC works like a champ. Since the part was only $18 I purchased two just incase the first one only lasted a short time - I keep second one in the glove compartment for good luck!

[@luckyguy600]

Ya. Toyota sells whole units and not the bits a lot of the time. been there with electric fan motor brush parts 50 years ago with them. Only last month have I revisited Toyota as my main vehicle. But today there are more choices to be had for parts. Just have to use your head to purchase some items. So to figure out a work-around and save a buck on something like that shouldn't be at all wrong. Times are tough. Where I live heat is far more important than AC. I seldom/ if ever put it on.

[@gregorymacneil2836]

I have the new alternator rebuild kit siting on the shelf - purchased it with the vehicle - This is my 5th Toyota Taco - the alternators last until 250,000KM then you take 2 hours and rebuild em - that's my job spring job - ventilation fans are really available from the junk yard at cheap prices - Nissan used to use the exact same ventilation fan motor in its trucks. Lots of choices out there - the funny thing is that for may years I just sent it to the dealer - but - with online shopping the parts arrive within 15 feet of the vehicle and the tools are just another 10 feet away. It is often faster to just do it yourself then make an appointment and show up. The great cabin air filter is a case in point - I just take it from the amazon driver's hand and install it with my slippers on. @@luckyguy600

[@jayjaynella4539]

I have scrapped car AC compressors and they are no different to the engine. Replaceable parts inside. Whether you can get those interior parts is a different matter.

[@RealWorldGarage]

I just bought a lower timing gear for my 97 Corolla from what is supposed to be a toyota dealer in Lakeland Fl. I got it yesterday and it appears to be a good, correct Toyota part. I felt like it was packaged properly, but I will be looking at it again when I get home from work today. Good information as always my friend. God’s blessings to you and yours.

[@CBeard849]

How nice it would be if we could all trust our mechanics to represent our best interests the way TCCN does?! Trust is elusive in business these days. Great video!!

[@Krakondack]

The biggest cause for this is Toyota marking up its parts tenfold or so. Where there's huge profit margin, it attracts knockoffs.

[@paulferreira8342]

Good stuff costs money. Schwag parts…not so much. Usually, you get what you pay for.

[@Krakondack]

@@paulferreira8342 Toyota's operational strength is manufacturing both quality and efficiency. It's good, but they charge far too much.

[@daveklassen7052]

@@paulferreira8342 the tooling to make these parts is similar regardless of oem or counterfeit. Materials as well. OEM markups are predicated on brand recognition, not necessarily.

[@terrysennhenn896]

I sure agree with TCCN about aftermarket parts. Years ago I went to a mechanic that used them. Nothing but trouble. Example a new clutch that shuddered, he replaced it and the new on did the same. I just lived with it. Water pumps that leaked in a couple years. Luckily I didn't drive a lot but after watching TCCN I will never drive anything but a Toyota and go to the dealership . The dealership I go to is highly recommended and so far no problems. But my two vehicles are pretty new.

[@JohnInCO]

I'm so glad I watch your videos. Very informative! THIS video however is the best one yet! I recently replaced the spark plugs in a Honda and had no idea there were counterfeit NGK's out there. Since I got a smoking deal on the plugs, almost guaranteed to be fake. Going to replace them ASAP. Thank you for valuable information you provide.

[@airborne63]

Lots and lots of counterfeit Ford parts sold online......but they're crap, unless you're ordering online from a Ford dealer.

[@lkn4trouble]

Good Information to share! Had this happen to me years ago on a 2000 Toyota Tundra 4.7 timing belt kit. Once I realized it was fake, I took it all apart AGAIN and installed the actual Toyota Part. Good Times! Haha

[@ppeters480]

Great video on a great topic, Watched a similar video on Motorcraft fake parts - the take away for a DIY mechanic is you and the Ford guy are right the only way we will know is getting advice from seasoned techs like you guys. You guys have seen so many boxes of original factory parts and notice them right away as a counterfeit.

[@gwfowler]

I bought that same water pump on Amazon. It was a genuine Aisen pump, same as the one on the car, except they had ground off the word Toyota. Cost about $125, put it in myself, 50000 miles later, works great.

[@schuylerwilcox784]

OMG this is real and these fake parts are crap. The most timely video ever... thank you!

[@rstumbaugh43]

THANK YOU AMD THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I never realized the extent of counterfeit parts!!!!!

[@backlineguy]

There are a LOT of parts that you absolutely should buy OEM - like a water pump - that when you're forced to tear the engine apart to install them, and they fail, you are in for a giant bill to replace it...but I have been able to use counterfeit parts ( which are sold at a significant discount) that are NOT so essential, so hard to get to to install/replace, that are perhaps not OEM quality, but function in the same way, and offer a cheaper alternative to the OEM parts...you HAVE to admit - Toyota parts are expensive...yes, I agree that you get what you pay for...I own a Lexus, I buy OEM parts for the most part...but I do think there are occasions where non-OEM can work to the consumers advantage cost-wise...I understand the caution message for the 'average' buyer....thanks for another great video!

[@chevalsauer]

Did my headgaskit 9 months ago with after market parts and been fine so far... 14k kms traveled still good...

[@billward4418]

I agree 100% with you wish I lived closer. Honest car tech is hard to find. Thanks for the info .

[@mohammadrifqisatriamas7311]

Hey AMD, just FYI PT. Toyota Astra Motor is the name of the Toyota company operating in Indonesia, so the part is probably made for Indonesian car market and not counterfeit

[@laurieharper1526]

Spot on advice as usual. As you point out, if money is tight, you can save in the short term by using good quality aftermarket parts. You may need to replace them sooner because they likely won't last as long as OEM. Counterfeits are another matter entirely and it's foolish to even consider using them. I know this doesn't apply to Toyota, but many manufacturers use third party made original components and parts and you can save money without compromising quality. As an example, I used to drive Saabs. I replaced a clutch on my old 900. The original that had been on the car since new was a Borg & Beck part. Buying the replacement in a Borg & Beck box, rather than a Saab box, saved me a lot of money (it was one third the price). The part and part number was exactly the same. It was the same product. Electrics on many European cars are Bosch. Again, you can save by buying them from Bosch, rather than from the VW/Audi or BMW dealer.

[@xishootstuffx]

Beck OEM clutch on my Viper too.

[@Marsupilami81]

a Manufacturer making parts for BMW, Mercedes or whatever, might sell that part after market too. And yes, it might be exactly the same. BUT, that is not guarantueed. The quality might be not exactly the same. The demands by Benz or BMW etc are usually much more extreme.

[@bdaneau]

Love your videos AMD ! Great insight on markups at dealerships on parts. Had some recent 'interesting' experiences myself - 2011 Rav4 2AR_FE VVTi intake gear cold start rattle. Knew what the problem was tks to your videos but didn't want to tackle the job myself so went to the dealer. Dealer confirmed the diagnosis (after I forked money and brought them a copy of the TSB) and quoted the part at twice the cost of their own online parts desk. I ended up buying the parts from their parts desk, go them shipped home, and went back just for the labor - but still felt like I had dodged a bullet. Service rep was ashamed when I showed him the price of the part from his own website vs what he was quoting me and admitted I should just buy it from them online, and save some money. Weird times we live in ...

[@mikehand2668]

That’s what I do , I just have them Shipped to the dealer and let them install

[@jhaskins58]

Happy to see this - doing my head gasket right now and ordered this part. I will check it when it arrives...👍

[@LacDole]

You are correct, MSRP is about 40-45%, except in central Florida, dealers have decided to setup a parts price matrix that reaches 100% these days 😩 Shop around, know your prices.

[@InBoostWeTrust7MGTE]

if a customer give this to you and tells you to install it, and its "the same" and fits, then it not a mechanics fault. But a true professional like yourself, might catch counterfeit part, even more if its still in a package. I love your videos because i learn so much and have saved myself from using some fake parts before.

[@petrolhead9702]

pt-toyota-astra is a joint venture between an indonesian company called astra and toyota so that may be not a counterfit part but you are %10000 right about the dangers of counterfit parts, pay a little bit more and pay once folks

[@luckyguy600]

90% of the time I use/ have used/aftermarket parts exclusively. BUT! They are produced and labeled by the manufacturer. And most carry a warranty with them also. Never have a problem. Some online parts ... well as our friend says 'if the price is too good to be true' then it most likely is. In today's world with my brand new Toyota Cross, I expect to use mainly Toyota parts/ at least till there are actual replacement parts by reputable manufacturers out there that guarantee their parts as does Toyota.

[@seanlittlefair105]

Thanks for the heads up. I’ve been lured into cheap parts. Lower ball joint on a 100 series landcruiser. The oem part lasted 500,000kms, I replaced it with a knock off copy and got about 30,000kms before it started to fail. Went back to oem. The money I save on the aftermarket was soon cobbled up on labour to fit the proper oem part. I just replaced my original alternator that has done 635,000kms. Aftermarket ones for one fifth the price…. No thanks, can’t afford to buy cheap parts as they appear to need replacing sooner. Great channel u have.

[@OldsmobileCutlassSupremeConver]

I bought a Toyota Badged 3 wy water valve from ebay. It was a knock off. Actually started leaking and almost overheated my 2nd gen prius. Only buy Toyota, and then mabe Napa.

[@jamessalas2141]

This guy is a class act period!!!