Due to a difficult repair, alternators are currently the second-highest shop ticket. The OE design has increased in complexity, allowing it to live longer. Because of this, installing a brand new unit, as opposed to one that’s remanufactured, may be able to ensure a one-time replacement.  

WAI Starters and Alternators conducted a survey that shows “do-it-yourselfers” and professional technicians alike prefer a new unit over a remanufactured one. Technicians have shown that they are willing to pay up to 30% more to install a new unit. Spending extra money for a new unit is no longer necessary. Some of today’s new units are priced competitively with re-man products while having a significant advantage in quality and being built to OE specifications. 

There are other factors to consider when deciding between new and remanufactured units. These include:

•  Today’s engines are smaller and more complex than ever. Newer vehicles have more compact engine compartment with smaller spaces for rotating electrical systems.
• Labor time to install or replace alternators and starters has increased dramatically by over 50% for the past ten years.
• Increased under-hood temperatures on late-model vehicles by over 50% in the past 10 years.
• Warranty rates on remanufactured alternators and starters range from 13% to 15% compared to 3% to 5% on the new units.
• All new units have a consistent premium finish and appearance
• Re-man units use salvaged castings. They may remove the nose of these castings to remove the bushing/bearing. This allows contaminants to enter the cavity which will cause a shorter field life. New units have a closed nose cone which prevents contaminants from entering.

Additionally, rebuilt alternators can have cracked castings, older bearings, and soldered rectifiers. Today’s new units have new castings with clean mounting areas, larger bearings to increase load capability, and crimped and welded rectifiers to ensure precision and extended durability.

With the intense labor process involved in replacing a starter or alternator, you need to have the utmost confidence in your replacement part. For all the reasons above, by purchasing a new unit you might be able to make your alternator replacement a one-time thing.

New vs Remanufactured: