Would this be an option?

If you’re the type of person that likes to work on their own vehicle, here are a few tips I would like to offer you when it comes to buying remanufactured parts.

Everybody knows remanufactured replacement parts are usually less expensive than brand new parts, but are they as good? The answer to that question depends on who supplies the parts and how much expertise and effort they put into remanufacturing their products.

Examples of Remanufactured Replacement Parts:

Alternator		Brake Calipers
Drive Shaft		Wheel Spindle

There are top-quality remanufactures that are QS-9000 certified and turn out reman (remanufactured) products that are just as good as many brand new parts. Their cost may be 20-40% less than a comparable new part or an OEM part, and they typically offer warranties ranging from one year up to a limited-lifetime warranty.

There are also bargain-priced, low-quality remanufactures. Their prices are extremely competitive, but they may provide nothing more than a short-lived cheap fix. Warranties typically range from 30 to 90 days, at most. These parts might suffice for a do-it- yourself who has a very limited budget, or somebody who is fixing a car or truck so he can sell it, but these "second line" reman parts may be no bargain for professional installers who take a chance on them.

The issue of quality is an important one for professionals because comebacks can really hurt their business reputation.

Another benefit of using reman parts is that the process recycles metal that would otherwise be thrown away. This may require exchanging the old part to receive a core credit with your parts supplier. Or, it may not, if the supplier sells reman parts outright with no exchange.

Remanufacturing typically reuses castings and other major components that can be cleaned, re-machined and returned to like-new condition. Items that are subject to wear and corrosion, such as seals, bushing, calipers and wheel cylinder pistons, valves, bleeder screws, springs etc., are usually replaced with all-new components. Most quality remanufactures then test the parts to make sure they function correctly before they are boxed and shipped for distribution.

The bottom line is this: Reman products such as loaded and semi loaded brake calipers generally provide good value for the money and can lower repair costs when price is an issue. So, if you do choose to install parts such as reman loaded calipers, choose a supplier with a good reputation - one that stands behind its products. The longer the warranty for the reman product, the better.

Topic information was provided by TechGroup Magazine.