Premium Steering & Suspension Parts
From ball joints and tie rods to control arms and hub assemblies, you can count on MOOG® steering and suspension parts for quality and durability. You know that when you select MOOG steering & suspension components for your car, truck or SUV, that you’re getting a premium part to complete your repair. But how do you know that the part that you have just purchased is a genuine MOOG part and not a counterfeit part?
Signs of a Counterfeit Auto Part
While it can be hard to tell the difference between genuine MOOG parts and fake ones, there are some telltale signs. If you find one or more of these signs, it is likely that the part in question is counterfeit.

Price
Look out for auto parts that are priced well below a genuine MOOG part. Cheap parts are typically inferior, using lesser quality materials that lose their ability to deliver reliable performance. Remember, if a price is too good to be true – then it likely is.

Packaging
Authentic MOOG parts are packed in a sturdy box with the traditional blue and yellow graphics on the box and/or part number label while counterfeit parts are often shipped in flimsy packaging.

Hologram
Many MOOG products have a holographic anti-counterfeit security label. This is a great focal point to enable buyers to authenticate parts.

Typographical Errors
Inspect the printing on the box and instructions. Look for typos, misspelled words and grammatical errors. A genuine MOOG part won’t have any typos (for example WOOG instead of MOOG) while counterfeit parts often have typos, grammar errors and stilted language.

Compare Parts
Compare the part you bought to the old part. Look for differences in weight, dimensions and features. If there are discrepancies, it can be a sign that it’s not a genuine MOOG part.

Reviews
Read the reviews for a part. If a part is of questionable origin, it is likely that other buyers will share the information in an unfavorable review of the item. Don’t ignore bad reviews; if there are several poor reviews, it might be best to look elsewhere.
What are the Risks of Using Fake Parts?
Counterfeit auto parts are many times inferior, using lesser quality materials that over time, lose their ability to deliver reliable performance. Inferior parts may not be built to OEM specifications, and that can lead to decreased performance. Lower grade, cheaper parts can wear out sooner than premium parts, making for more frequent problems with your car. Lesser quality parts can also be a safety concern.
How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Car Parts
The best way to ensure that your new suspension part is a genuine MOOG part is to purchase it from a trusted dealer. Buying auto parts from a reputable seller is your best insurance against counterfeit parts; you’ll have the assurance that you’re installing a genuine MOOG part on your vehicle.
Before purchasing the part online or in person at a storefront, do a little homework before handing over your hard-earned money. If you’re not familiar with the seller, do an online search to see customer reviews of the seller to help determine the trustworthiness of the seller.

What to Do If You Buy Counterfeit Parts
If you suspect that a part you purchased is fake, please email MOOG and DRiV parts at brandprotection@driv.com. Please include as much information as possible including pictures of the part and packaging.
Most importantly, if you have any doubts about the authenticity of a part, don’t install it on your vehicle. Use MOOG’s Where to Buy feature to find a MOOG dealer near you and purchase a genuine MOOG part to complete the repair. When you select premium MOOG parts for your car, truck, or SUV, you can rest easy knowing that you have selected the best parts for your vehicle.
Learn more about premium steering and suspension parts, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part today.
The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.