I am looking to purchase a half shaft as a trail spare. Been searching the net and came across one made by EMPI for under $75 shipped. The ACDELCO one is closer to $250. Does anyone know anything about the EMPI brand shaft ?

 

Can you say "Made in China?" Like so many businesses (you know, the job creators) they have offices in CA, and all their cheap shistuff is made in China.

Same thing with MAC, ..... and Cardone, they rebuild whatever people send them.

For a trail spare, it will probably get you home.

You should know that the H3 shafts have three designs: 1) was thinner [06/07s]; 2) was a longer #1; and 3) is the longer and thicker #2 [mid 2008] and used on all 2009s +. Which one are the Chinese making???? IGNI.

You want ACDelco HALF SHAFT #15886012, and even shooting for that you do not want new old stock compatible as you could end up with a new, but never installed #1.

I look at it this way. My power train warranty is over so if I do a trail repair, it is my repair. In other words I do not want to drive home, and tear it apart again to put the real McCoy in there and return cheap foreign junk to my trail spare.

If you still have warranty, then you can take it to the dealer when you get home and have them do the swap and give you your trail spare back, you give them the busted original.

 

I agree with DOC 100% on this one.


If you have any of the factory warranty left get the EMPI and use it as a spare. IF not, buy the GM Replacement Part because you only want to replace the shaft yourself once.

 

Do you have a United Auto Supply around you? they carry ACDelco parts and the prices are what mechanics get it for but they won't tell the price over the phone unless you have an account, which is free if you have a business.

 

thanks for the info. still thinking on what to do

 

Doc, I need to replace my drivers side shaft, the boot is leaking, 2008 H3. When ordering this part on line is there any way to know if I'm getting the 2008 #3 you reference above? The dealer wanted $495 for the part. I see the ACDelco 15886012 on line for $270. Thanks, Joe

 

Try rock auto, and when you order, use their drill down list for a 2009 or 2010 H3, that should get you the ACDelco new part. They are no longer making #1 & 2, but you want to avoid new old stock.

 

Thanks Doc, I'll check it out.