General Door check straps

[SDP79]

I have just made some enquiries regarding replacing some of the door check straps on my 2003 Multipla JTD. The driver’s side basically fell apart last year and I bought a replacement. This was a better design and cost about £17 plus vat. The other three are making a bit of noise and despite greasing them I thought I would replace them all. Somewhat surprised to now find that the price of this part is now £29.65 plus vat! (Part number 51794220 or 46835126 both quoted at same price). Apart from ripping off customers I was wondering where Fiat are going with their pricing policy. Can anyone suggest anywhere with some reasonable discount in Essex?

 

[boilermansab]

Other than buying 2nd hand...don't think there is anywhere else..
Mine do the same and the noise seems to be from play in the pivot on the a frame..
I fiddled about trying different things. Managed to quieten the clicking by placing and washer with a notch cut out from it..

 

[SDP79]

Just a quick little up date. I emailed this matter to Fiat UK customer service. Very polite email asking why and suggesting that this might be a mistake. Got a written reply which at least shows they read what you send. The excuse for the price increase is:
1)Upgraded part
2)Increase in manufacturing costs
3)Increase in raw material costs
All seems pretty reasonable until you consider the following: -
Bought same part least year - upgraded part etc cost £17 + Vat. Ok vat has gone up probably so has everything else but hang on - hasn't gone up 70%. Seems Fiat are like many other large companies will get away with what ever they can! Nothing more to be said I have to suffer the horrendous noise the straps make or buy new ones!I will have to save my pennies