Making Effective Reman and Built Parts Choices

Are remanufactured and rebuilt components the same? In the commercial vehicle parts aftermarket, with its large number of suppliers, that’s something that is especially important to understand. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, the manufacturer of safety technologies, brakes, control systems, and other components for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers and buses, offers guidance on the subject as part of its Tech Tips series.

The Difference Between Remanufacturing and Rebuilding

A remanufacturer always replaces or repairs a core’s components to bring the part up to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specs, Bendix noted. Additionally, remanufacturers always replace wear components with new versions. However, when a rebuilder disassembles the core of a product for reuse, they don’t necessarily replace the components with new ones or bring the product back to OEM specs. Rebuilders may simply clean or repaint components, and even if they do replace them, they may not have full access to OEM-quality parts.

For fleets, knowing the distinction between remanufactured and rebuilt components helps ensure long-term reliability and cost efficiency. Many operators have seen the benefits of using remanufactured cores in the heavy-duty parts industry to maintain OEM-level performance while keeping costs in check.

What to Look for in Remanufactured Parts

The Tech Tips installment — What To Look For In Remanufactured Parts — focused on what to look for when selecting four remanufactured components:

• Air compressors wear components such as pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, and the head and valves remain failure points if they’re not replaced as part of the reman process.
• Air disc brake caliper components, caps, boots, bushings, and adjuster bearings should all be replaced and caliper cores should be thoroughly cleaned.
• Drum brake shoe remanufacturing needs to include correcting deformities caused by force and temperature changes by using a coining process to return a shoe to its originally engineered geometry. Even if it’s relined with new friction material, an uncoined shoe may not provide full drum contact, which could lead to unpredictable brake performance and uneven wear.
• Steering gears require replacement of key parts identical to those found on a brand-new product that typically wear out, including hydraulic seals, all steel recirculating balls, cover retaining rings and ball guides, plus slot valves when necessary.

When evaluating replacement options, make sure to ask about a supplier’s warranty—it reflects their confidence in product quality. Also, inquire how the remanufacturer tests its parts. OEMs regularly subject remanufactured parts to the same rigorous testing as new components.

In an aftermarket filled with competing claims, some misconceptions can make it harder for fleets to choose the best components. Addressing common myths surrounding heavy-duty truck parts helps buyers avoid costly mistakes and select parts that deliver consistent performance and safety.

Why Remanufacturing Matters

Remanufacturing is ultimately about delivering quality parts at a lower replacement cost to help fleets improve their bottom line. However, not all suppliers offer the same level of precision or consistency. The difference between a reputable remanufacturer and a low-quality rebuilder often comes down to the processes, materials, and testing protocols used.

For instance, remanufacturers follow strict procedures to restore every component to OEM specifications, while rebuilders may cut corners to save time and cost. That’s why it pays to source from trusted distributors who can guarantee authenticity, warranty coverage, and technical support. Fleets that prioritize component quality can avoid premature failures and unnecessary downtime.

Keeping up with commonly replaced heavy-duty truck components also helps fleets plan preventive maintenance more effectively. Tracking the lifespan of these parts provides valuable data that can guide purchasing decisions and reduce unexpected repairs.

Making the Right Parts Choice

Making a less-than-optimal replacement part choice comes with risks, including premature failures that lead to high costs for roadside assistance, vehicle damage, and increased downtime. The stakes are even higher when the parts are key to a vehicle’s safe operation. Asking the right questions about replacement parts from a reputable supplier minimizes that risk and keeps your trucks and drivers on the road.

Still, sourcing quality parts can be challenging—especially when certain components are in short supply. Fleets are adapting by using alternative sourcing strategies for truck parts to keep vehicles road-ready without compromising quality. These options provide flexibility when OEM parts aren’t immediately available.

When buying online, selecting a reliable marketplace is key to avoiding counterfeit or low-quality items. Platforms that emphasize trustworthy online parts sellers with transparent service help ensure every purchase meets performance expectations and warranty standards.

FinditParts is the largest single-source Internet distributor of heavy-duty OEM and aftermarket parts. FinditParts is your partner in keeping your heavy-duty truck on the road.