Is there a major differentiation in these terms when it comes to purchasing "rebuilt parts"? Would the terms be different for say an engine as opposed to rebuilt half-shafts? Just curious.

 

well, here's what it basically broke down to when i worked for kragen. Let's use an alternator for an example. Rebuilt usually meant that they reused the external casing, but that the wires and brushes were all brand new. (This is ususally the case for "remanufactured" products as well) Essentially, if you buy a rebuilt alternator, you're buying an almost brand new alternator. If it was "rebuilt" or "refurbished," this means they probably just opened it up,fixed what was wrong, and cleaned it. The terms vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so just be sure to ask exactly what a "rebuilt" part means when dealing with that particular company.