Blend door actuator - Recommended aftermarket part?

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks for looking in - The infamous blend door actuator - I was wondering if anyone has had good luck w/ an aftermarket part. The Ford part is obviously not good as the plastic gears fail quite regularly but they are proud of the part @ $70. I've heard many aftermarket parts are just as bad if not worse - any recommendations. Also has anyone got a lead on a replacement gear(s) for the plastic gear(s) that fail within the part? Thannks

 

[BigRondo]

I would recommend the Ford replacement. I have to believe that the quality of the part has improved. I know that others have had issues with aftermarket actuators. If you don't want to get it at the local dealer, I suggest trying www.silverstatefordparts.com or www.fordpartsgiant.com. You can get the Motorcraft part for less than the local dealer. When I replaced my actuator, I took into consideration the following:

1. Others have had issues with the aftermarket actuator.
2. I only wanted to do this repair once.
3. If the aftermarket actuator fails, I'm going to get the Motorcraft actuator.
4. The savings on the aftermarket actuator aren't worth the risk.
5. If I start with the Motorcraft actuator, I have a better chance of only having to do the repair once.

Good luck with whatever avenue you choose.

P.S. I bought my '89 Mustang GT at Palmetto Ford!!

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks for the info - I buy/sell about 8 of these Explorers per month and the actuator is a fairly common problem. I've tried aftermarket before and it didn't work - I'll try some of the companies you recommended for a better price. I thought I saw a post once on someone selling a gear to replace the one that normally strips - any ideas on that?

BTW - I worked at Palmetto Ford in 96 - a great company that's been in business in Charleston for many years and is still doing well!

 

[BigRondo]

Sorry, no info on the gear replacement. I bought my Mustang there in '89. I traveled up there when I was stationed at Parris Island. It was a very pleasant experience. The local Ford dealer in Beaufort wasn't military friendly, if you can believe that. I believe they are no longer in business in Beaufort.

 

[edwx]

I got my Motorcraft blend door actuator for my '06 at Rock Auto for about $40.