When looking for replacement car suspension parts, you’re faced with a crucial choice: stick with the original equipment from the manufacturer (OEM) or opt for aftermarket parts.
In most cases, the latter makes more sense. Moog and Mevotech are two of the biggest names in the game – famous aftermarket replacement parts manufacturers you’ll often come across that offer high-quality products.
But which one comes out on top? Is one better than the other? Well, let’s take a closer look at the three most popular products from each and find out!
$47.80$30.65
$49.94$36.39
$218.51$116.99
$112.51$67.92
Moog vs Mevotech: Top 3 Suspension Products
Are you ready to revamp your car’s suspension? Mevotech, a Canadian company, and Moog, an American-based company, are heavy hitters who have been in the game for years, bringing their A-game to the aftermarket replacement parts industry.
From control arms to ball joints, we’ll be taking a closer look at what makes their products stand out and which ones you should consider for your next suspension replacement. Buckle up!
- Ball joints: Moog might be a better choice regarding ball joints (keep reading to find out why).
- Tie rod ends: Mevotech Supreme rod assemblies are cheaper and do the job pretty fine.
- Control arms: The biggest win for Moog – this control arm assembly is a best seller for a reason.
Moog vs. Mevotech Ball Joints Review
I’ll talk about these – and more, but let’s start with the ball joints. Here’s a quote from an independent testing study from 2016:
“Metallurgical analysis of ball studs utilized in Centric, MAS, Mevotech Supreme, and MOOG ball joints showed that only MOOG parts met or exceeded the characteristics of the original equipment ball studs.”
The research also points out that Mevotech Supreme was the first to fracture during simulations. Testing involved chemical composition, heat treatment trials, and shot peening in ball joints.
Remember that the test was performed on only three applications – 07 Silverado, 13 Ford F-150, and 07 Toyota Camry.$47.80
$30.65
If you’re curious about the full press release text, you can read it here. Now you’re probably wondering: Is Mevotech a good brand? Remember, it’s from 2016 – since then, Mevotech has increased its company products catalog and product features and further stepped up its product quality and manufacturing game!
What About Other Accessories?
Well, Mevotech tie rods are actually pretty good. They outperform OEMs and are available at a more affordable price than MOOG tie rods without sacrificing quality.$49.94
$36.39
For other auto parts – specifically, control arms and wheel bearings, Moog wheel bearings are a more popular choice. My mechanic friends also swear by the MOOG control arm, as opposed to the Mevotech control arm, even though they have different vehicle types.
An issue with some MOOG parts is the kits don’t come with bushings if it’s not a Problem Solver line. You will have to buy these control arm bushings separately. That being said, due to you having to purchase Moog’s bushings separately, you can bet that they are offering quality replacement parts. Hats off to Mevotech parts, though: they serve their kits with bushings across all their product lines!
With wheel hub assemblies, Mevotech and Moog have a closer competition:
$218.51$116.99
$218.51$116.99
Mevotech vs Moog Suspension Parts
OK, time to go deeper with comparing these two brands, starting with MOOG’s premium Problem Solver line.
The “Problem Solver” Winner
If Moog stuck only to their lower-end suspension kits and joints, this battle between brands might have ended quickly. However, there’s the Problem Solver product line – living up to its name, these aftermarket replacement parts do a great job at solving your suspension worries.
First, an easy way to distinguish which Moog products are ‘problem solvers’ is the “CK” lettering. Be on the lookout for these initials in the MOOG product catalog. Inside the catalog, you can find other useful items like general repair kits, boot kits, steering rack gaiter kits, axial rods, idler arms, and more.
Overall, the Problem Solver products have three significant improvements over OEMs/other brands.
Note: these improvements are also present in Mevotech’s Supreme line!
- Powder-coated metal on the ball joints: Makes them more durable and long-lasting.
- Zerk grease fittings: Allows them to be easily serviceable and for smooth & quiet operation.
- Improved arm design: For control arms, the updated design allows for better fit and easier, quicker installation.
Here’s a short introduction that covers the design side:
In short, Moog tackles all the pain points any car owner has when it comes to ball joints. Many OEMs don’t have any grease fitting, making servicing your new joints a pain. Some aftermarkets have a clunky fit, and you have to tinker around with them to make things work.
And a significant part of both OEMs/aftermarket brands have some plastic parts lying around instead of the full-on powder-coated metal you get with the Problem Solver series.
In this sense, the Problem Solver is a fantastic aftermarket choice. However, don’t underestimate Mevotech and their TTX or Supreme lines.$112.51
$67.92
What Are The Signs That You Need To Replace Suspension Parts?
Now that you know the difference between Moog vs Mevotech, it is important to know the signs telling you that you need new suspension system parts.
Lack of Control While Driving
Everyone desires a comfortable driving experience, but your suspension parts may fault that. For example, if your vehicle responds slowly to the movement you apply on your steering wheel or feel a loss of control affecting precise steering, it might indicate a faulty suspension system.
Suspension system replacement will be best to ensure you take back full control of your car for a smooth ride and provides comfortable steering.
Unusual Screeching Noise
It might be time to change your wheel bearings when you want to negotiate a corner and hear some unusual grinding noise. Suspension and steering replacement will be your best bet to eliminate these screeching noises that may make your driving experience less exciting.
Tires Have Worn Out Treads
Worn-out treads are normal, but when your tires show extreme wear and tear, this can signal that your suspension system is not well aligned. A misaligned suspension system will hinder maximum contact of your car tires on the road, leading to extreme wear and tear. Ball joint assembly is vital in ensuring your suspension system is well-aligned.
Frequent Vibration in Steering Parts
Frequent vibrations when driving can lead to difficulty steering. Your suspension system should be able to absorb impact and offer you quality control. When this is not the case, you will experience vibrations when driving on uneven roads.
You can also feel the vibrations when driving on bumpy roads, and this can be due to a bad control arm bushing that will create the vibrations. Moog and Mevotech control arms will ensure you do not experience frequent vibrations when driving on bumpy roads.
Key Things To Consider When Buying Replacement Suspension Parts
Is your car giving you a bumpy ride? It might be time to upgrade your suspension parts. But before you dive in and start shopping, there are a few key things to consider. The right replacement suspension parts will depend on various factors, from your budget to your driving style.
OEM Vs. Aftermarket Parts
There is a wide range of suspension products in the market today, and you should consider whether you want aftermarket or OEM parts. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, meaning you will get the suspension system parts from the same company that manufactured your car.
On the other hand, aftermarket parts have been designed by different companies to be compatible with various vehicles and suspension systems to provide a universally rewarding user experience.
The disadvantage of aftermarket parts is they are not intended for a specific vehicle model and, therefore, will not fit well compared to OEM parts made for design optimization thanks to 3D prototyping and platform-based designs.
Always Choose Quality Over Quantity
Choosing quality over quantity will ensure your suspension system parts serve you for an extended lifetime delivering the best performance. If you are looking for a quality replacement, it would be best to look for the replacement parts in a credible American company, for instance, the one you bought your car from. This will ensure you get immense experience when driving for years.
When it comes to replacement suspension parts, investing in products that will stand the test of time is crucial. That’s why a lifetime warranty is a game-changer. Two of the biggest names in the aftermarket parts industry, Mevotech, and Moog, offer a limited lifetime warranty on many of their products. However, some come with a 1-year warranty or a 3-year warranty.
Consider Your Driving Needs
Your driving needs are essential when choosing replacement suspension parts. For example, some struts and shocks are designed for off-roading to improve the user experience. On the other hand, other suspension parts are designed for improved aerodynamics and handling, so your driving needs are a crucial factor that shouldn’t be overlooked when getting high-quality suspension parts.
Therefore, there are questions that you need to ask yourself. First, will you be driving on rough terrain regularly? Second, are you looking to improve your handling and cornering experience? Third, will your vehicle be towing heavy loads regularly? These questions will help you determine the best suspension system parts for your car.
The car’s suspension system is vital to the overall smooth driving experience. Therefore, looking at these factors will ensure a seamless ride, and a positive customer experience, as the right suspension system helps reduce vibration and shock absorption to ensure you have full control of your vehicle and its steering system.
Comparison Of Items: Mevotech vs Moog Suspension Parts
Mevotech Vs. Moog – Wheel Bearings
Mevotech H513188 Wheel Bearing And Hub Assembly
Mevotech designed the H513188 Wheel Bearing per the OEM specifications, which assists in restoring the exact position of your car’s wheels. By contrast, Moog designed the 515036 Wheel Bearing, which is also designed according to the OEM specifications but offers a higher load capacity that ensures durability.
The hub assembly of the Mevotech equipment fits both the passengers’ and driver’s sides well, as it is pre-lubricated for easy installation.
Moog vs Mevotech – Ball Joint Review
Moog K80026 Ball Joints
This equipment has been branded Gusher Bearing technology, meaning it offers stability and durability while minimizing friction. The ball joints should fit well in your car as it comes in the same dimensions as the OEM part. What’s more, the ball joints have been generated by Moog engineers who have used multiple advanced technologies to ensure the joints surpass the OEM requirements.
Mevotech TXK80149 Ball Joints
This Mevotech ball joint utilizes a sintered metal gusher bearing with grease channels. The good thing about this ball joint is it has the same dimensions as the Mevotech parts but is less costly. In addition, although it is less costly, this Mevotech ball joint is more sturdy and durable than the OEM parts.
Mevotech Vs. Moog – Control Arms
Moog RK621355 Control Arm And Ball Joint Assembly
The Moog’s R-Series control arm is manufactured from forged steel or aluminum, reducing wear and friction. This product comes with the Moog Problem Solver bushings that make installation easier and improves performance. In addition to that, the control arm has M2 technology that enhances responsiveness and steering.
Mevotech MS601043 X-Factor Control Arm And Ball Joint Assembly
Many brands make control arms with bushings made from rubber-based materials, but this is different at Mevotech. The Mevotech control arm is made from polyurethane bushings. This is important as polyurethane materials are less prone to corrosion and degradation caused by road salt, oil, and mud.
On top of that, the control arm by Mevotech has thicker forgings that hinder flexibility and twisting. The arm connects the wheel’s body to the vehicle, allowing greater wheel movement, like bouncing, while ensuring strong attachment.
Where Does Mevotech Shine? A Couple of Notes to Keep in Mind
Previously, I mentioned something important about Mevotech. They service all of their assemblies with bushings for your convenience. Depending on the applications and design, some bushings can be very expensive. Think about 30% of the control arm itself.
There’s also the matter of their tie rod ends. They’re pretty much equal to Moog in this department – maybe even better, and I like that distinctive blue & black design combination. It doesn’t make sense to throw more money at Moog equivalents that will yield the same results.
Wheel bearings are another factor to consider. The newer generations of Moog wheel bearings perform better than their old ones. The ABS cord here is especially durable – something you’ll also see with Mevotech BXT hub assemblies, as they share the same ABS quality.
What About Mevotech Wheel Bearings?
In terms of price – more than decent! Mevotech diversifies across several lines of wheel bearing and hub assemblies for different applications.
The BXT assemblies are a staple with a few design improvements, like larger ball bearings and integrated raceways. As you can see from some BXT reviews, people are satisfied with the overall durability and design.
Aside from them, you might also consider the TXF (Titan-XF) line. These are their highest-grade tapered bearings, made to withstand the extreme.
Let’s be clear here, however. I’d suggest looking at other manufacturers on extra heavy loads and serious 4WD action. I have a guide that talks about SKF and Timken wheel bearings. SKF – and their X Tracker design in their latest bearings, in particular, should be your go-to assembly for heavy capacity or offroad matters. They’re more expensive for a reason.
For regular or semi-heavy loads, though, both Mevotech and Moog manufacture great aftermarket options.
Mevotech vs Moog: Changing Your Ball Joints for the First Time?
DIYing anything for the first time is exciting, but there’s also the fear of getting things wrong. Generally, Moog replacements fit like a glove, so you’re spared the extra huffing and puffing to put them in place.
A common mistake is forgetting the side tools you’ll need to get these assemblies to work properly. Everybody knows that you need a wrench and impact sockets. However, ensure that you also have either a ball joint separator tool or a pry bar. This will drastically cut replacement time and make this very close to an effortless task. Because honestly, working with a hammer is a total pain and infuriatingly slow.
GearWrench is a brand I really respect, and they have this amazing ball joint separator tool. It’s adjustable to fit various ball joint sizes for your convenience. In terms of the process, I believe more in video guides than the written word here. You can find virtual training on Moog’s website, or you can check out this video to guide you through replacing your control arms and dealing with the ball joints.
Note that while this guy uses a hammer, you can accomplish things quicker and easier with my more convenient recommendation:
Are You a Jeep Owner?
In this case, I wouldn’t choose any of these two car parts brands. I suggest you head to my dedicated post on Jeep Wrangler ball joints instead, as these off-road beasts demand a different treatment than lighter vehicles.
Alternatively, you can also check my article comparing MOOG to ACDelco, another popular aftermarket replacement parts brand. ACDelco’s ball joints are more of a challenge to the MOOG K-series (but still not better car parts, in my opinion).
