Ford Repairs Hit Snag as Veteran Auto Parts Supplier's Bankruptcy Sparks Parts Shortage

While replacing a power steering pump on a 2018 Ford, an experienced technician was surprised to discover that a commonly used replacement part had become nearly impossible to find—and when available, its price had tripled. He shared his experience on TikTok, where the video garnered over 240,000 views. The shortage stems from the collapse of several major remanufacturers—such as Cardone—that once dominated the aftermarket. In recent years, these companies were acquired by private equity firms and subsequently shut down. The situation worsened earlier this year when First Brands Group filed for bankruptcy, causing a major disruption in the supply chain. The traditional repair model, which relied heavily on affordable remanufactured parts to keep costs down, is now rapidly unraveling. Vehicle owners are increasingly forced to choose between exorbitantly priced OEM parts or abandoning repairs altogether. The technician admitted that, going forward, he may have no choice but to focus on older, easier-to-repair vehicles, and called for a renewed emphasis on rebuilding skills. Industry experts warn that excessive consolidation driven by private equity has severely undermined the resilience of the automotive aftermarket.