By THRITON Editorial
Two cars of the same model and year can still need different parts: a different engine, a facelift, a 4x4 version or a different market. Ordering by "Camry 2009 lower arm" is a guess. Ordering by OEM number is not.
What is an OEM number?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Every part fitted at the car factory has a reference number given by the car maker, for example 48069-06140. Parts made for the aftermarket list the OEM numbers they replace, so you can match a new part to the original one exactly.
Where to find it
- Stamped or printed on the old part itself: clean it and look for a sticker, a cast number or an engraving.
- In the car maker's parts catalogue, looked up with the vehicle identification number (VIN).
- On the invoice or box of a part fitted before.
- From a dealer or parts shop: give them the VIN and ask for the part number.
Use the VIN, not only the model name
The VIN is the 17-character code on the registration papers and on the windscreen or door frame. It tells a catalogue exactly which version of the car you have, so the part number it gives is the right one.
Searching our catalogue
On thriton.com you can type an OEM number into the search box at the top of every page. Spaces and dashes do not matter: 48069-06140, 48069 06140 and 4806906140 all find the same part. You can also search by car brand or model, and each product page lists the vehicles it fits.
Left, right, front and rear
Many suspension parts come in pairs with different numbers for the left and right side, and for the upper and lower position. Check which side you need. "Left" normally means the driver's side on a left-hand-drive car, seen from the driver's seat.
When in doubt, ask
If you are not sure, send us the OEM number, the VIN or a photo of the old part through the Contact page. Getting the number right before ordering saves time, shipping costs and returns, especially on wholesale orders.
