Detroit Axle is simply an automotive parts retailer and distributor who specialises in new aftermarket parts and OE-remanufactured parts. It offers replacement parts such as CV axles, suspension parts, steering parts, brakes, wheel hubs and bearings, shocks and struts, racks and pinions, and more. It has been serving its customers for over 30 years, according to the company.
Detroit Axle is not a car company, or a 10-pound wrench. It's a brand and parts manufacturer. When people ask, “how does Detroit Axle work?” they're typically asking for information on aftermarket or remanufactured parts fitting into a vehicle, or whether or not it's worth buying those parts.
What Is Detroit Axle?
Detroit Axle is a Michigan-based automotive parts company, dealing in both new aftermarket auto parts and OE-remanufactured parts. The company started operations in 1990 as a small aftermarket parts shop, and has since grown to include retail, remanufacturing and on-line distribution.
The company pays a great deal of attention to replacement parts for every-day cars, SUVs and trucks. The online catalogue is structured around the fitment of the parts and enables consumers to look for parts by engine year, make, model, engine, drivetrain, and more.This is significant because part replacement does not always mean that the parts are interchangeable. The appropriate part must be the same as the vehicle application.
What Does Detroit Axle Sell?
Detroit Axle's catalog includes products such as:
- CV axles
- Wheel hub and bearing assemblies
- Control arms and ball joints
- Tie rod ends and steering components
- Shocks and struts
- Brake rotors and drums
- Rack and pinion assemblies
- Gearboxes
- Suspension kits
- Other replacement automotive components
Some products are brand-new aftermarket parts, while others are remanufactured components rebuilt from OEM units.
How Does Detroit Axle Work?
Detroit Axle operates much the same way as an auto parts company, except it supplies parts to the vehicle aftermarket.You first need to find out what type of vehicle and part to purchase. Detroit Axle then supplies parts that are listed for specific applications of the vehicle. After selection of the right part, the customer may order the part from the company's online store or from the storefronts of the marketplace.Remanufactured components have a different basic concept than when you purchase a wholly new part. Each part can be rebuilt, inspected, tested and returned to service instead of replacing each part with new fabricated parts.
Detroit Axle, for instance, says that some of its remanufactured CV axles are rebuilt OEM parts that are impact, wear and fatigue tested.This is then mounted on the vehicle as the respective replacement part. It's task is dependent on what you bought. CV axle is used for transmitting torque from drivetrain to wheels, control arm is used for fixing suspension, wheel hub is used for supporting wheel and enabling proper wheel rotation.Therefore, Detroit Axle isn't actually running in your vehicle. The mechanical function of the individual Detroit Axle component is carried out to its design.
Detroit Axle Remanufactured vs. New Parts
The first and foremost essential fact to know before ordering is remanufactured parts and new aftermarket parts.
Remanufactured Parts
A remanufactured part is typically a rebuilt unit, but not necessarily one that is created from new parts.The possible benefit is that it is cost. A new OEM replacement is not necessarily the best and most cost-effective option, as a suitable original component can be built instead.
CV axles, gearboxes, racks and pinions are just a few of the products that Detroit Axle has specifically. It's currently in the lifetime-warranty category on its warranty page and includes remanufactured CV axles, gearboxes, and racks and pinions, as long as they meet the company's remaining conditions and as part of its core-return program.
New Aftermarket Parts
New aftermarket parts are made as parts to replace an existing part.
Detroit Axle also has new CV axles, suspension parts, brake parts, wheel hubs, shocks and struts and more available. Depending on the product, different warranties are offered.The bottom line is: Not all Detroit Axle products are remanufactured, and not all products have the same warranty. Please read the separate listing prior to purchase.
Are Detroit Axle Parts Any Good?
So, is Detroit Axle any good?
So, the most accurate answer is: Detroit Axle may be a great value for the particular component or vehicle application and warranty but it is not just based on the brand name.Customers have positive experiences. Detroit Axle features customer reviews on their website that talk about their satisfactory experiences, easy ordering, and affordable prices.There is some independent mixed feedback, however. The Better Business Bureau indicates an overall rating of 2.66/5 from 349 customer reviews on its Detroit Axle review profile and it has an F BBB rating on its business profile with the comment that the company is not accredited by the BBB.
Complaints about product quality, shipping, returns and customer service also can be made by BBB. While these complaints don't necessarily indicate a problem with all Detroit Axle products, they are indicative of something to consider when assessing the company.In other words, it's not just a yes or a no question here. Detroit Axle might be a good idea if price, availability and warranty value are essential, but the buyer will need to find out if it fits and research the specific part to make sure it is a good choice to order.
What Do Detroit Axle Reviews Say?
Don't base your opinion of Detroit Axle reviews on a single rating or a few comments.
Customer experiences vary. Other BBB reviewers say they have been buying from the company for years and are impressed with the company's pricing. Others experience issues with premature component failures, wrong components, shipping, return, or warranty issues.The combined feedback implies a number of lessons for practice.
Look at Reviews for the Exact Part
A review on one of the axles of an Axle Brake Kit for Detroit could tell you little about one of the CV axles or the suspension kits.
Before purchasing, search for reviews related to:
- The exact part number
- Your specific vehicle
- The same component type
- Long-term durability
- Installation and fitment
- Warranty experiences
This will provide you with much more useful information than simply the companies rating.
Consider the Warranty, Not Just the Price
A low purchase price can be attractive, but the warranty terms matter just as much.Detroit While a low price might be appealing, so too are the warranty terms.Detroit Axle now offers various warranties ranging from lifetime to 6-month, 3-year and 10-year, depending upon the part. The company also claims that when the warranty is called, the defective part will have to be returned and shipping charges could be borne by the customer.
When you see the term ‘lifetime warranty', don't assume it's a free replacement, in every case!
Detroit Axle Warranty: What Buyers Should Know
The products come with a different warranty.
For instance, Detroit Axle is now offering a 10-year warranty on such items as brake rotors and drums, new CV axles, new racks and pinions, suspension parts, shocks and struts, and wheel hub and bearing assemblies. A few remanufactured CV axles, gearboxes and racks and pinions are categorized under a lifetime warranty.
There are also limitations.
Under the company warranty, the usual term of coverage is to repair or replace a faulty part. Several other associated costs are not included, nor are labor and alignment. The purchaser may also be liable for shipping charges.
That's why it's advisable to check the warranty conditions before installation, particularly for a large component that will be costly to take out and reaffix.
What Is the Detroit Axle Return Policy?
Detroit Axle now claims that they can give customers 30 days from shipment to return the product for a refund and 60 days for an exchange. Returned products should be new, unused and in original condition. Additional restocking charges may also apply to certain returns, which is 15%.This makes a key difference between normal return and a warranty.
If a part is no longer required then the standard return policy may be available. In the case of a faulty part, the warranty procedure may be in effect.When ordering, verify the part number and vehicle fitment in detail since it can be a hassle and an expensive proposition to return a heavy vehicle part.
How to Choose the Right Detroit Axle Part
Buying the correct part is arguably more important than finding the cheapest price.
Use this process:
1. Identify Your Exact Vehicle
Have the vehicle's:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Engine
- Trim
- Drive type
- Transmission, where relevant
available before searching.
2. Check the Fitment Information
Detroit Axle's product pages offer compatibility information for vehicles. There are some listings that separate the various engines, drive trains, sub-models, years and other configurations.
3. Compare New and Remanufactured Options
If both options are available, compare:
- Price
- Warranty
- Core requirements
- Expected use
- Reviews
- Installation cost
4. Confirm the Part Number
When available, verify the part number of the listing with the part number provided by your mechanic, parts catalog or existing parts.
5. Read the Warranty Before Buying
Avoid putting it off until it breaks. Know the warranties, any paperwork involved and who is responsible for shipping.
Is Detroit Axle Worth Buying?
If you're seeking after-market or remanufactured replacement parts that are more affordable, Detroit Axle may be a good option.It offers a wide range of products, application to various vehicles, multiple warranties and an extended track record.
However, the company is not to be mistaken as a one-stop shop for OEM parts. Aftermarket and remanufactured parts may be different in construction, materials, method of manufacture and performance from the original equipment.
The best approach is to evaluate the individual part, not just the brand.
The value proposition will be appealing for a standard repair for an older daily driver. However, before making your decision, be sure to compare Detroit Axle with OEM and other trusted aftermarket options, especially if you're looking for an aftermarket replacement for a high-performance vehicle, heavily modified vehicle, or a demanding towing application that could pose significant safety issues if it doesn't perform as intended.
Final Verdict: Is Detroit Axle Any Good?
Detroit Axle is a legit aftermarket automotive parts company that sells replacement parts which are brand new or remanufactured. It's a great option for consumers who are looking for lower-priced parts and wide coverage of vehicles like social offerz.
Detroit Axle reviews, however, aren't all equally positive which is why it would be wrong to claim that all the products are equally reliable. Independent feedback consists of happy customers and grievances relating to the product, shipping, fitment and customer service.If you choose to purchase, concentrate on the exact part, check if it fits, check the warranty and check the latest reviews for the part. This will increase your odds of landing the right part for a good price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit Axle a good brand?
Detroit Axle is an established aftermarket parts supplier with more than 30 years of operating history. Whether a particular part is “good” depends on the component, vehicle application, and your expectations for price, durability, and warranty coverage.
Is Detroit Axle OEM?
No. Detroit Axle sells new aftermarket and OE-remanufactured parts. A Detroit Axle replacement part should not automatically be considered a new OEM part supplied by the vehicle manufacturer.
Are Detroit Axle CV axles any good?
They can be a cost-effective replacement option, but quality should be judged by the exact CV axle, vehicle fitment, warranty, and customer feedback. Detroit Axle offers both remanufactured and new CV axles with different warranty coverage.
Does Detroit Axle have a lifetime warranty?
Some products do. Detroit Axle currently lists lifetime warranty coverage for certain remanufactured CV axles, gearboxes, and racks and pinions. Other parts have different warranty periods, so always check the specific product's terms.
Where can I buy Detroit Axle parts?
You can purchase Detroit Axle parts through its official online store and, for some products, marketplace storefronts. The company also operates physical retail locations in Michigan.
What should I check before buying from Detroit Axle?
Check the exact part number, vehicle fitment, whether the part is new or remanufactured, warranty duration, core requirements, shipping terms, and recent reviews for the specific component.
Can I return a Detroit Axle part?
Detroit Axle currently states that refund requests must generally be made within 30 days of receiving the shipment, while exchange requests must generally be made within 60 days. Product condition and other restrictions apply.
Is Detroit Axle better than OEM parts?
Not necessarily. OEM parts are designed and supplied for the vehicle manufacturer's original specifications, while Detroit Axle offers aftermarket and remanufactured alternatives. The better choice depends on your vehicle, budget, application, and how much you prioritize OEM specifications versus replacement cost.
