Rock Auto

[James Morse]

Just to mention, that I got refund on the mismatched drum including shipping for the replacement. They do actually reply email (a person).
There's a few things they don't have but for most things I think I'd check them first, prices seem competitive.
Here are the two drums in original shipment, you see they are same part# but diff packaging and naming, which is no big deal, but, they were actually different... some details in the construction and mainly when I weighed them and they were about 3 lbs different, that told me, they ain't the same.

 

[Blmpkn]

Rockauto is pretty much the standard, not just because of the magnets either lol.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I've used them quite a bit, even done a return. Never had a problem.

 

[fastpakr]

The problem is that quite a few people here have had issues with returns through them. Sometimes it's just not worth it. So far my own purchases have gone well, but there are definitely some examples of rough transactions.

 

[rumblecloud]

I haven't had an issue with having to return anything, but usually my orders are pretty cut and dried.
In looking for AC components to replace the system on my 94, Rock was lower then Amazon on every piece - which surprised the snot outta me. Even with shipping they were still less.

But yeah, I have heard some bad things with return items.

 

[Bill]

I like Rockauto and I've never had a problem with them. However, someone there thinks they are making a political point by refusing to ship to certain places because they don't agree with something like local taxes or other local regulations. Recently, they decided they aren't going to ship a bunch of stuff to California because they don't like Proposition 65, which a requirement that a manufacture inform consumers if the product contains certain chemicals. If doesn't contain those listed chemicals notification is not required. So, I can't order Centric rotors that were manufactured in California because they state they don't have the paperwork for them, which is on the Centric website. I can't order Autolite spark plugs which likely don't require the notification, or Moog suspension parts, which they could obtain from the Moog website. And I'm positive any manufacturer would happily send them the paperwork they need since California is the largest market for auto parts. Furthermore, all those products Rockauto refuses to ship here are available at every auto parts store and every other online retailer.

I know that stuff is annoying beyond comprehension, but attempting to make a political statement isn't going to change Prop 65 in California, or the various local sales tax policies across the country. The only thing it accomplishes is making people order those items from another retailer.

 

[19Walt93]

I've bought stuff from them and been generally satisfied. I had problems with one item twice so they credited me and suggested I look elsewhere, he assumed they had a problem with their stock. I just got some 390 cam bearings from them last week.

 

[G8orFord]

I like Rockauto and I've never had a problem with them. However, someone there thinks they are making a political point by refusing to ship to certain places because they don't agree with something like local taxes or other local regulations. Recently, they decided they aren't going to ship a bunch of stuff to California because they don't like Proposition 65, which a requirement that a manufacture inform consumers if the product contains certain chemicals. If doesn't contain those listed chemicals notification is not required. So, I can't order Centric rotors that were manufactured in California because they state they don't have the paperwork for them, which is on the Centric website. I can't order Autolite spark plugs which likely don't require the notification, or Moog suspension parts, which they could obtain from the Moog website. And I'm positive any manufacturer would happily send them the paperwork they need since California is the largest market for auto parts. Furthermore, all those products Rockauto refuses to ship here are available at every auto parts store and every other online retailer.

I know that stuff is annoying beyond comprehension, but attempting to make a political statement isn't going to change Prop 65 in California, or the various local sales tax policies across the country. The only thing it accomplishes is making people order those items from another retailer.

I understand your frustration. However, I'm pretty sure they don't sell a single part that I cannot order from Florida... or Alabama or Alaska or Arizona or ...

Well you probably get the idea...

 

[oldgeek]

I like Rockauto and I've never had a problem with them. However, someone there thinks they are making a political point by refusing to ship to certain places because they don't agree with something like local taxes or other local regulations. Recently, they decided they aren't going to ship a bunch of stuff to California because they don't like Proposition 65, which a requirement that a manufacture inform consumers if the product contains certain chemicals. If doesn't contain those listed chemicals notification is not required. So, I can't order Centric rotors that were manufactured in California because they state they don't have the paperwork for them, which is on the Centric website. I can't order Autolite spark plugs which likely don't require the notification, or Moog suspension parts, which they could obtain from the Moog website. And I'm positive any manufacturer would happily send them the paperwork they need since California is the largest market for auto parts. Furthermore, all those products Rockauto refuses to ship here are available at every auto parts store and every other online retailer.

I know that stuff is annoying beyond comprehension, but attempting to make a political statement isn't going to change Prop 65 in California, or the various local sales tax policies across the country. The only thing it accomplishes is making people order those items from another retailer.

It might be a political statement, but I'm doubtful. I would imagine that the cost/benefit analysis showed that it was more cost effective to not offer those parts to California customers than to go through the bureaucratic hassle of seeing what all inventory has to comply.

Or it could be they, like most people, see "Prop 65" and roll their eyes.

 

[Bill]

It might be a political statement, but I'm doubtful. I would imagine that the cost/benefit analysis showed that it was more cost effective to not offer those parts to California customers than to go through the bureaucratic hassle of seeing what all inventory has to comply.

Or it could be they, like most people, see "Prop 65" and roll their eyes.

It's as simple as requesting the informaton from the manufacturer. Every other website manages to do it.

The whole Prob 65 thing is a great example of good intentions with unintended consequences.

 

[ZMan]

Since I quit working next to an autozone 5 years ago (and getting a great hookup), I buy 99% of my parts from rockauto. Last year I ordered a clutch for my wifes subaru. It was supposed to have a throwout repair kit included. Part number on the box was correct, clutch and pressure plate were correct, but the repair sleeve was missing and it had the wrong throwout bearing. It had definitely been opened. I think someone might have pulled a fast one on Rockauto and returned it. But I just exchanged it no problem. Of the $5k in parts I've bought from them over the last 10 years, that was the only screwup.

 

[oldgeek]

It's as simple as requesting the informaton from the manufacturer. Every other website manages to do it.

By not having that cost overhead, it might be another reason why their prices are cheaper than most other websites. Or not, I just speculate.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I used to buy from them a lot. Now they are a last resort. Had a couple issues with returns/defective/mis-labeled stuff that mostly got ironed out. Got stuck on a couple things but it wasn’t really worth the hassle to pursue it. Then came the last straw. Ordered rear tie rods for mom’s Explorer. Most of the listings said “only for use with 17” rims or larger” or something to that effect. The ones I bought (at like $100 each) didn’t say, so I figured they must be the ones for 16” rims. Bought, installed, and as soon as I went to move it PSSSSHHHH! Both back rims got a nice new hole.

Contacted RA, or rather tried to. After considerable effort finally got to talk with someone who bluntly told me that those were for 17” rims or larger so it was entirely my problem. Went back on their site and sure enough, they changed the listing. So I was out like $200 roughly plus I still had to buy the correct tie rods AND two rims plus have the tires mounted and balanced. The brand new tie rods that only punched a hole in a rim each and got a little grease on them are collecting dust in my parents garage because I have no idea what to do with them.

About that time I also bought a new Delphi pump that came missing the sock and was defective right out of the box. RA pretty much said too bad. I said peace out, my business is going elsewhere.

 

[Bill]

I understand your frustration. However, I'm pretty sure they don't sell a single part that I cannot order from Florida... or Alabama or Alaska or Arizona or ...

Well you probably get the idea...

By not having that cost overhead, it might be another reason why their prices are cheaper than most other websites. Or not, I just speculate.

The requirement is the same for every business. And that is that they have to notify consumers if the product contains chemicals that are on a list. Rockauto does do this, but they are inconsistent about it. Here's one example where they have a warning for an ignition coil made by SMP:

More Information for STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS FD501

And they don't have the warning there for the Motorcraft coil that is made by SMP:

More Information for MOTORCRAFT DG544

I just wish they would trash the whole Prop 65 thing. Most people don't care, most people don't read it, and nobody is going to get cancer from an ignition coil unless it has a chemical in it and they break it open and lick it. Even then it's doubtful. This is a good example of implementing something with good intentions without thinking of the unintended consequences.

 

[oldgeek]

nobody is going to get cancer from an ignition coil unless it has a chemical in it and they break it open and lick it.

Hey, it could happen! Why I'm feeling quite tempted at the moment.