Do not begin with an image-search guess. Photograph the part from every useful side, record where it came from, copy every marking exactly, then measure the features that decide fitment.
Garage checklist
- Whole part from four sides
- Mounting face and damage
- Every number, logo and casting mark
- Vehicle and removal location
- Overall dimensions
- Bolt centres and hole sizes
- Connector shape and pin count
- Handedness and orientation
Keep the vehicle attached to the part
Record the make, model, generation, market, year range and exact position. If the identity is uncertain, keep the candidates visible. A loose part without its removal context is much harder to match safely.
Photograph before cleaning
Labels, paint marks, witness marks and old fastener positions can disappear during cleaning. Capture the part as found, then clean only enough to reveal stamped or moulded information and photograph it again.
Measure fitment features
Overall length is rarely enough. Record bolt-centre spacing, flange shape, shaft diameter, spline count, thread, connector keying, hose diameter, offsets and the orientation in which each measurement was taken.
Separate identity from compatibility
A likely part name helps the search. Compatibility needs a second evidence set: catalogue references, superseded numbers, donor details, measurements and a physical test-fit before irreversible work.
Limits and safety
A visual or dimensional match can still miss material, load, calibration, market or production-date differences. Safety-critical parts need stronger verification.
Evidence and sources
- Vehicle manufacturer parts catalogues where lawfully available
- Owner photographs, measurements and removal context