New or remanufactured auto parts? Longer warranties or savings?
This eternal dilemma that plagues buyers in all parts-related sectors, including the automotive industry, never seems to have a definitive and concrete answer.
Regarding the turbocharger…
In the case of turbochargers, many repair shops are stuck with the choice of always using only manufacturer-supplied parts, due to poor past experiences with used and remanufactured products.
We can understand how, psychologically, the idea of relying on a product built by the same company that supplies car manufacturers can provide greater peace of mind in terms of product reliability. But it’s equally true that there are excellent alternatives that can be considered.
Buying a Remanufactured Turbocharger
We’ll try to clarify the situation and provide a more comprehensive answer to the question:
While it’s true that used parts have no guarantee regarding their condition at the time of purchase, nor their durability, a remanufactured part is a completely different story.
Buying a remanufactured turbo does indeed mean using the used and restored outer casing. But it’s also true that the internals, i.e., the worn and consumable parts, are generally considered new, tested, and adjusted with appropriate instruments.
Who should you trust when choosing a remanufactured turbocharger?
Having made this initial consideration, the focus of the issue shifts slightly. From the question of whether to use a new or rebuilt turbo, the question becomes: “Who should you trust when choosing a remanufactured turbo?”
Perhaps this is the point to focus on most when choosing.
As mentioned, a reconditioned turbo must still meet high quality standards, both in terms of the materials used, the equipment used for adjustments and parameterizations, and, obviously, the technical knowledge of the operator performing the work.
Materials used:
Regarding turbo spare parts (core assy, variable geometry, actuator, turbine wheel, etc.), the cost difference between a quality part and a poor one is just a few dozen euros.
Choosing to save money when replacing a part can be a risky decision. Why? Because it puts the integrity of the entire engine at risk, so the final bill can be much higher!
The above-mentioned spare parts have specifications accurate to the nearest millimeter, precise technical parameters, so it’s essential to know what you’re installing in your vehicle.
Equipment Used:
Buying a spare part (even a quality one) isn’t the solution to all your problems.
It’s been said that a turbo is a sensitive product, and therefore requires all the necessary equipment to ensure the correct parameters are set. If the company you contact is equipped with balancing machines (for perfect rotor calibration and elimination of so-called “whistle”), flow benches (for testing and parameterizing wastegate valves/electric actuators and variable geometry), and various testers for the necessary actuator checks, then you’ll likely be commissioning quality work.
Operator’s technical knowledge:
While tools and materials play a vital role in the success of the overhaul, the role of the technician performing the work is equally important.
Anyone who simply replaces the core assembly, without considering all the pitfalls and “tricks” involved, which also vary from car to car, will likely not be able to provide a sufficient standard of quality.
An expert hand and eye know the details of individual seals and small parts in general, and in addition to having knowledge of the work they are about to undertake, they are able to identify the causes of the fault they are addressing. If the diagnosis is correct, we will have a much greater chance of success.
The sensitivity of the turbo…
In this regard, it’s important to remember that a turbo is a sensitive product, and it’s installed on a system that has already traveled a certain number of kilometers. Addressing the causes of turbo failure superficially risks running into a new problem, more or less serious than the previous one.
A qualified technician who can identify these causes, communicate them to the customer, and understand the additional information that varies from application to application, certainly provides that extra something to ensure that the choice of the reconditioned product is successful and hassle-free.
TSP: A quality choice!
Depros produces TSP spare parts, which are now widely appreciated by industry professionals in Italy and Europe.
Of course, turbine overhauls are performed using only original TSP products, ensuring top-notch quality and workmanship.
Extensive test benches and qualified staff
It also has:
- Various types of sandblasters depending on your needs,
- Ultrasonic tanks,
- Turbo-Technics VSR balancers,
- Turbo Clinic flow bench,
- Cimat dynamic flow bench,
- Actuator testers,
- Rotor balancers,
- Laser engraving machines,
- All necessary precision instruments.
Depros: A guarantee!
Equally important is the one-year comprehensive warranty that Depros offers to all its customers on rebuilt turbos, except for a few particularly tricky codes.
With the certainty of having all the necessary elements to offer a high-quality product, the company covers any failures regardless of the cause. The turbo is repaired free of charge, and technical information on the causes of failure and recommended remedies are provided promptly upon collection of the new part.
The peace of mind and satisfaction of those who use Depros is a further source of pride, ensuring customers know they receive reliable support beyond the point of sale.
Not just overhauled…
Despite all the advice we’ve provided in this article regarding reconditioned parts, if you still have reservations about using a reconditioned part, Depros meets all your needs by offering its customers a wide range of new, original turbochargers at competitive prices.
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