REBUILT, REMANUFACTURED, AND USED
AUTO PARTS
You’re faced with a major auto repair such as an engine, transmission, or
differential replacement. Your service provider asks you, “Do you want rebuilt,
remanufactured, or used parts?” The price differences are significant. To make
an educated decision, you first need to know how these three solutions to the
same problem compare. And only then can you decide which one is the best
choice.
Rebuilt Parts
If you choose rebuilt parts, the rebuilder will use your vehicle’s old part and
replace just the worn components. If your vehicle’s old part cannot be rebuilt
because it is too worn, he will use a part from another vehicle (referred to as a
“core”). If a core is used, then he will replace only what is needed in the core.
For example, if an engine is rebuilt, maybe just the bearings and piston rings
need to be replaced (the original crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods would
be used). This approach, in lieu of using new or remanufactured parts, usually
saves the customer money.
There’s just one glitch. Mechanical wear is relative. In other words, before
rebuilding the unit, all of the components within the unit are equally worn. After
rebuilding, some of the components are new, and some are used. Although the
used components still function and do not need replacing, they are worn to some
degree. Factors such as heat stress and cracks cause wear that is invisible to the
human eye. Consequently, other problems could crop up later, resulting in
premature failure of the repair.
Remanufactured Parts
What is a remanufactured part? The term remanufactured usually refers to a part
that, for all practical purposes, has been completely remanufactured to the
standard of a new part. Using a remanufactured engine as an example,
mechanical tolerances have been restored either by re-machining, or by
installing the necessary mechanical inserts to restore original mechanical
tolerances. Either way, the engine meets the standard for OEM tolerances,
durability, and quality. New pistons, connecting rods, rings, bearings, camshafts,
lifters, and oil pump are installed.
All related bearing surfaces are restored, and the upper half of the engine,