[F14CRAZY]

Thanks, that helps explains things a bit...

They do have the AC and GM part numbers. I don't have super easy access to a dealer parts desk computer BUT I did put the numbers into gmpartsdirect.com. Both GM part numbers came up, so would this mean, that in this particular case, these AC Delco parts are indeed the same as OEM?

I'm not totally certain what "OEM" stands for but I've always thought that it refers to what the vehicle originally came with. I know that TRW sells aftermarket steering components that can be bought at Advance and that TRW is also a parts supplier to "oem's". I just didn't know if AC Delco was part of GM or what, but it sounds like they're kind of their own entity but can share some of the same streams of parts, and in this case, with the GM part numbers matching in a GM parts catalog, that these AC Delco branded ones would come in a "Genuine GM" package if I bought them at the Chevy dealer.

...is this all correct so far?

I'd say the life of the brake pads has been good. I'm tempted to complain about the tie rod end but I suppose that its lasted long enough. If it were like the lower control arm bushings I definitely would have looked for Moog or Dorman parts or just parts from someone else.

 

[F14CRAZY]

I actually opened the box today and took a look at the tie rod end in question. The AC Delco one looks different, has a castle nut and cotter pin, and has a grease zerk. The original does not have a zerk and just has a flanged nut.

The line is blurred further.

Slightly unrelated to the topic is the fact that the tie rod end that was diagnosed as being bad by the Buick/GMC dealer is not bad after all...I'm writing from a Bell Tire waiting room at this moment...