For five decades as an ASE and General Motors Master Technician, vocational educator, and homeowner, I’ve personally rebuilt and reconditioned countless automotive parts and components, from car engines to smaller appliances. While I’ve never ventured into remanufacturing – a process reserved for pristine, controlled environments that restores parts to a factory-new state – my experience has given me deep insights into the world of Rebuilt Car Parts.
Choosing to install rebuilt car parts, such as alternators, starter motors, and water pumps, can be a smart DIY strategy to ease the strain on your wallet. However, for more complex tasks like engine or transmission replacements, it’s generally wiser to consult with experienced professionals.
This guide will draw upon the knowledge of seasoned engine remanufacturers, skilled machinists, automotive technicians, and other experts to help you determine if rebuilt car parts are the right option for your vehicle needs.
Why Do Car Parts Wear Out?
Automotive components inevitably wear out due to the everyday stresses of friction, aging, weather exposure, and individual driving habits. However, neglecting basic maintenance and ignoring early warning signs – such as fluid leaks, unusual noises, and vibrations – dramatically accelerates wear and can lead to premature failure. Proactive DIY maintenance is key to minimizing wear and extending the lifespan of your vehicle’s parts.
What Does Rebuilding Mean?
Rebuilt car parts are components that have undergone a thorough process of disassembly, cleaning, and wear assessment. During rebuilding, any broken or excessively worn parts are replaced with either new or reconditioned components. Importantly, parts that still meet the original manufacturer’s specifications are often reused. While some rebuilding still occurs in local repair shops or specialized rebuilding facilities, the majority of rebuilt car parts available today are supplied by aftermarket rebuilders.
How much does it cost to rebuild auto parts?
The cost to rebuild auto parts is variable, depending on factors like the specific part, vehicle make, model, year, and the extent of necessary replacements. For instance, rebuilding a smaller four-cylinder engine will typically be significantly less expensive than rebuilding a larger V-8 engine. Certain rebuilders also offer services to rebuild your existing part, which can be particularly valuable if a needed part is no longer readily available. This service is especially appealing for owners of classic cars where maintaining original, stamped parts like engines and transmissions that match the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is crucial for preserving and enhancing the vehicle’s value.
How long do rebuilt parts last?
The lifespan of rebuilt car parts is not fixed and can be influenced by various factors. Neglecting basic vehicle maintenance, for example, can shorten the lifespan of any car part, whether new or rebuilt. However, rebuilt car parts sourced from reputable major rebuilders can often match or even exceed the longevity of new parts. Consider water pumps: a rebuilt car part from a major supplier frequently comes with a two-year warranty, while a brand-new water pump from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) might only offer a one-year warranty and potentially cost twice as much.
Most common rebuilt car parts, including water pumps, alternators, starter motors, CV axles/half-shafts/drive axles, and brake calipers, are typically fitted with new bearings, brushes, seals, gaskets, or O-rings. These components undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the OEM’s original performance specifications.
Rebuilding Pros & Cons
Choosing rebuilt car parts offers several advantages, but it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks as well.
Pros
- Cost Savings: Rebuilt car parts are generally less expensive than their brand-new counterparts, offering significant savings.
- Quality Assurance: Reputable rebuilders rigorously test rebuilt car parts for proper operation, checking for leaks, noise, vibrations, and correct fitment.
- Solid Warranties: Many reputable rebuilders back their rebuilt car parts with warranties that can extend up to three years, often covering both parts and labor.
Cons
- Potential Quality Issues: The quality of rebuilt car parts can vary depending on the rebuilder. It’s crucial to choose reputable suppliers.
- Mixed Part Concerns: The combination of new and older, reused parts in rebuilt car parts can sometimes affect overall performance and potentially reduce the part’s lifespan compared to a completely new part.
- Fitment Inaccuracies: While less common with reputable rebuilders, there’s a slight possibility that a rebuilt car part might not be an exact fit, requiring adjustments or causing installation difficulties.
- Limited In-Shop Warranties: Warranties offered by local repair shops on rebuilt car parts may be shorter, sometimes as brief as 30 days, and may only cover the part itself. This means if the part fails, you might be responsible for the labor costs to replace it again.
What Does Reconditioning Mean?
A reconditioned car part is one that has been repaired with the aim of improving its operation and functionality. Unlike rebuilding, reconditioning doesn’t always involve replacing all damaged or worn components. As a result, reconditioned parts may not consistently meet the OEM’s original specifications in all aspects.
How much does it cost to recondition auto parts?
Reconditioning is typically the most budget-friendly option among rebuilt, reconditioned, and remanufactured parts. For example, reconditioning an alternator often includes replacing the commutator brushes, internal diodes, and voltage regulator. Other electrical components are tested for continuity, opens, and resistance, but parts like bearings, armatures, and stators are usually just cleaned and reinstalled if they appear functional.
How long do reconditioned parts last?
Reconditioned parts generally have the shortest lifespan compared to rebuilt and remanufactured options. As Kelly Petry, an expert from Jasper Engines and Transmissions, explains, reconditioning primarily focuses on “fixing what is needed to get back on the road” rather than restoring to like-new condition.
Reconditioning Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most Cost-Effective: Reconditioning is the least expensive option, making it attractive for budget-conscious repairs.
- Quick Solution: Reconditioning can often be the fastest way to get your vehicle back in operation, especially for simpler repairs.
Cons
- Quality Variability: Reconditioning quality can be inconsistent, particularly if done within a general repair shop rather than a specialized facility.
- Compromised Performance: Mixing new parts with existing worn parts can reduce the overall performance, functionality, and long-term durability of the reconditioned component.
- Minimal Warranties: Warranties on reconditioned parts are often very limited, sometimes as short as 30 days and frequently covering only the part itself, not labor.
What Does Remanufacturing Mean?
Remanufactured car parts represent the highest standard among recycled auto parts, as they are restored to meet or even exceed the specifications of new OEM parts. The remanufacturing process involves completely disassembling the part, thoroughly cleaning and inspecting every component, and replacing all wear items or repairing them to like-new condition. For example, remanufactured starter motors and alternators will have their original armatures checked for straightness, rewound with new wire coils and field windings, and rebalanced.
Marco D’Amore, a senior engine machinist at Lorenzo’s Fast Flow Cylinder, emphasizes the precision involved in engine remanufacturing. He notes that engine remanufacturers refinish (mill) all engine gasket and mating surfaces to eliminate imperfections and ensure a reliable, long-lasting seal. “Cylinder blocks and heads are ‘decked’ (machined) if an engine shows evidence of a blown head gasket,” D’Amore explains.
According to Petry, remanufactured engines utilize “reground and rebalanced crankshafts and fully reconditioned cylinder heads.” He further highlights that to guarantee reliability and durability, remanufactured parts “endure rigorous testing and extensive quality control.” This stringent process allows remanufacturers to offer warranties that are comparable to or even longer than those provided for new parts.
How much does it cost to remanufacture auto parts?
Remanufactured parts are generally the most expensive option among recycled auto parts, though the exact cost depends on the specific part and the remanufacturer. For example, a remanufactured 350 cubic inch small block Chevrolet gasoline engine can range from $3,000 to $6,000, and often involves an additional “core” charge, which is a deposit refunded when you return your old, original part.
How long do remanufactured parts last?
With proper vehicle maintenance, remanufactured parts, including major components like engines, automatic and manual transmissions, transfer cases, and differentials, are designed to last as long as or even longer than the original OEM part. Furthermore, using warranted remanufactured parts can potentially increase the resale value of your vehicle, as it demonstrates a commitment to quality and longevity.
Remanufacturing Pros & Cons
Pros
- Direct Fit and OEM Compatibility: Remanufactured parts are designed to be direct replacements, ensuring proper fit and compatibility with your vehicle.
- Upgraded Specifications: Replacement parts used in remanufacturing often meet updated OEM specifications, potentially offering improvements over the original part.
- Excellent Warranties: Remanufactured parts typically come with excellent warranties, often ranging from two to three years or up to 100,000 miles, providing significant peace of mind.
- High Quality and Reliability: Remanufacturing’s rigorous testing and quality control processes mean you’re installing a high-quality, reliable part.
Cons
- Highest Cost: Remanufactured parts are the most expensive among rebuilt, reconditioned, and remanufactured options.
- Core Deposit Requirement: Remanufactured parts often require an upfront core deposit, which may be non-refundable if your old part is damaged beyond usability.
- Inclusion of Reconditioned Parts: While remanufacturing is the most thorough process, it can still incorporate reconditioned or repaired parts alongside new components.
Rebuilding, Reconditioning, and Remanufacturing Auto Part Tips
Based on my extensive experience, I strongly recommend replacing related parts and thoroughly servicing the system associated with any replacement part to maximize your vehicle’s lifespan. For instance, when replacing a water pump, it’s wise to also inspect and potentially replace all related hoses, flush the entire coolant system, replace the thermostat, and refill with fresh coolant. In addition:
- Research Reputable Suppliers: Whether you choose rebuilt, reconditioned, or remanufactured, always source parts from well-known and reputable suppliers to ensure quality and warranty support.
- Consider the Application: For critical components like engines and transmissions, remanufactured parts often offer the best balance of reliability and value. For less critical parts or budget repairs, rebuilt or reconditioned parts may be suitable.
- Read Warranty Details Carefully: Understand the specifics of any warranty offered, paying attention to the duration, coverage (parts and labor), and any conditions or limitations.
FAQs
Does installing rebuilt or remanufactured parts affect insurance costs?
No, using rebuilt car parts or remanufactured parts generally does not negatively impact your insurance costs. In fact, according to Greg Englebreth of State Farm Gregg Englebreth Insurance Agency Inc., utilizing these types of parts can actually help keep insurance costs down, especially when used as part of an insurance claim. Notably, when State Farm directs a repair shop to use the “Most Cost Effective” part (not necessarily the least expensive), they will warranty the part – even if it’s a used part from a salvage yard – for the entire life of the vehicle.
What is the difference between salvage and reconstructed/rebuilt titles?
Salvage titles or certificates are assigned to vehicles declared a total loss by an insurance company, meaning the repair cost exceeds the vehicle’s market value. Vehicles with salvage titles are not legally permitted to be driven on public roads. Once a salvage vehicle is reconstructed or rebuilt, it must undergo a comprehensive inspection to be deemed roadworthy. Depending on your state’s regulations, it may then become eligible for a reconstructed or rebuilt title.
Are reconstructed/rebuilt titles bad?
Whether reconstructed or rebuilt titles are inherently “bad” is a nuanced question. Kelly Blue Book indicates that a rebuilt or reconstructed title typically reduces a vehicle’s market value by 20 to 40 percent. However, if your intention is to keep the vehicle for an extended period, undertaking a DIY restoration of a “total loss” vehicle can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the long term compared to purchasing a new vehicle.
Can you turn a reconstructed/rebuilt title into a clean title?
In some states, such as Pennsylvania, it is illegal to convert a reconstructed or rebuilt title back to a clean title. It’s essential to consult your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to understand the specific laws and regulations regarding salvaged and reconstructed/rebuilt titles in your jurisdiction.
Does a reconstructed/rebuilt title affect insurance?
Yes, a reconstructed or rebuilt title does impact insurance. The market value of a vehicle with a rebuilt title is typically significantly lower even after repairs are completed, a concept known as diminished value. Conversely, any future insurance claim on a vehicle with a rebuilt title would likely result in a considerably lower payout compared to a vehicle with a clean title.
About the Experts
Kelly Petry brings over 20 years of experience in the automotive repair industry to his role providing engine and transmission technical support for Jasper Engines and Transmissions.
Marco D’Amore is recognized as an expert engine rebuilder with over 25 years of experience as an engine machinist and lead cylinder head reconditioner at Lorenzo’s Fast Flow Cylinder Head in Langhorne, PA.
Greg Englebreth, ChFC, CLU, has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and is the principal of Gregg Englebreth Insurance Agency Inc. in Philadelphia, PA.
Sources
Interviewed sources:
John Stella has been involved in the auto service industry for over 30 years, beginning as an ASE and Oldsmobile certified technician before transitioning to a senior bodyshop estimator role at Faulkner Collision in Philadelphia, PA.
Joe Simes is an ASE and Toyota Master Technician, a PA certified emissions and safety inspection instructor and inspector, and a Pennsylvania Department of Education certified automotive technology instructor at North Montco Technical Career Center in Lansdale, PA.
Other sources:
- Family Handyman – Car Maintenance Basics Everyone Should Know
- Family Handyman – 18 Car Maintenance Tasks To Do In Fall
- Family Handyman – Car Care: How to Replace a Thermostat
- Dorman Products
- Cardone
- Hemmings – Matching Numbers Part 1
- Jasper Engines and Transmissions
- Lorenzo’s Fast Flow Cylinder Head (Note: URL not in original, assuming based on description)
- State Farm Gregg Englebreth Insurance Agency Inc.
- Faulkner Collision
- North Montco Technical Career Center (Note: Updated URL from potentially outdated “North Montco Technical Career Center in Lansdale, PA”)
- Kelly Blue Book
