Ask the Expert

Jun 8, 2010

By Don Pollard
Parts Control and Inventory Specialist

The need of a major repair often leaves us in a difficult situation. For many people, making the choice between a rebuilt or a remanufactured part is really confusing. Here are some basic differences:

Rebuilt

A rebuilt is a product where a previously failed unit is used to create a rebuilt version. While the unit is most often completely disassembled and cleaned, in many cases only the parts that fail testing may be replaced, or common wear items. Most items included in the rebuild are not new, yet often the product is re-painted to appear “like” a new or remanufactured starter, which can be quite deceiving. Quality of rebuilds can vary between rebuilders as many are done in smaller shop environments instead of a standardized factory setting.  Ultimately a rebuilder is seeking only to replace the minimum required parts to pass their own quality control testing which may or may not be the same as the OEM specifications. Generally you are asked to return your old core so they can rebuild your part for another person, and you are charged for this core until you return it. This is a common, cost effective way of getting a starter that has been rebuilt in and that passes only minimum testing. Also, the product you receive may not be identical to the one you require. You may be trading in a heavy duty sealed starter and wind up with a can-use automotive, unsealed standard duty item. It will most likely work and fit alright, but rate of failure is higher than NEW or OEM products. In order to get max application coverage with as few items on the shelf as possible, the supplier will only carry the “can use” or “may fit” parts. Usually these will come with an attractive “no hassle” parts warranty to help backup and sell the product, which by nature is going to be more prone to failure. There is a higher chance you may wind up having to replace the same item again, if one of the components that “passed” minimal testing during rebuilding later fails.

Remanufactured

This is an entirely different process in which worn products are restored to like-new condition. This is done in a factory environment where a core, used, or discarded product is completely disassembled. All useable parts are cleaned, refurbished, and put into an inventory. A new product is then assembled from these parts using new, and even updated parts for all wearing components. Often only the basic frame-type items or shell are reused. This produces a unit equivalent and sometimes superior in performance and expected lifetime to the original OEM product. Someone not wanting to sacrifice quality in a more cost effective solution to the OEM or new version should consider this. Cost savings will not be enormous, but quality is not compromised. These products are unlikely to fail again within their expected lifetime, and will be backed with a reasonable parts warranty. Again care should be taken to ensure you are receiving the identical product, especially if yours is a heavy duty or contaminated type environment.

It is clear that the situation depends upon your requirement and what money you can spend on your equipment. The bottom line is that these options are cost-effective alternatives to buying new parts, but keep in mind that every situation is different. Sometimes better options are costly but can be well worth it.