It is often tough to justify the cost of OEM Volvo parts, but I keep having these experiences with aftermarket parts that tells me that maybe I should pay the extra. The tales of the MTC heater water valve below is one example; another is my own experience with a TRW ball joint. I replaced this and within eight months had a growing banging in the front end of my 95 940. Could not figure out what this was and replaced a bunch of other parts when I finally decided this could ONLY be ball joint (I traced it using a body vibration sensor). Bought the Volvo OEM unit from Borton (cost around $45 instead of less than half that for the TRW). The Volvo unit was noticeably more robust. Installed it yesterday evening and sure enough, problem solved.
I've found enough dodgy aftermarket parts from even good brands that I am now increasingly leaning toward OEM unless there is a direct renamed replacement (like a cap/rotor from Bosch) or I have strong confidence in the part quality. And nothing, absolutely nothing, from the Far East.
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See the 700/900 FAQ at the drop-down menu above right.

I had a failure of TRW ball joints after 2000 miles on the 93 940. TRW was bought out and is manufactured in China. I now order MOOG only for joint replacements.

Regards,

Crappy after-market parts are a curse for BMW owners, too. After several frustrating experiences, I am back to buying stock parts from the dealer, despite the cost. Time is money; trying top save a few Dollars by going cheap is NOT really a savings at all. You should hear what my independent mechanic says about Pacific Rim replacement parts (not to be typed on the internet).

I have to agree with this. Chasing an oil leak that turns out to be the 1 year old oil trap with leaking seams convinced me. Oh yeah... the 1 year old upper radiator hose that bulged, or the 1 year old strut mounts that are all cracked... its all crap nowadays. Not just Volvo parts. I have had lots of crappy Ford truck parts lately.

Steve,

What is a body vibration sensor? Sounds like a handy contraption.

Occasionally things at Tasca Volvo are actually cheaper than after market. I've found horns for $25 instead of $50 each online, for example. The distubtor cap is $10 cheaper than a bosch from FCPgroton. Alway good to check with them. At least you're pretty shure you'll be getting quality from them.
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Paul NW Indiana '89 744 Turbo 145K/ '90 745 turbo 127K

The sensor I referred to is merely a microphone on a probe: you attach it to various body parts and listen, via a remote set of earphones, for the vibration noises. I am far from my garage right now else I would send the brand name. Cost about $50 and helped pin down the banging noise to the ball joint.