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What Is a Core Charge and Why Is It Required?

When purchasing certain drivetrain components—such as axles, differentials, or driveshafts—you may notice an additional fee called a core charge. This is a standard practice in the automotive industry and plays an important role in keeping costs down and maintaining product availability.


What Is a Core Charge?

A core charge is a refundable deposit added to your order when purchasing a remanufactured part.

The “core” refers to your old or used part, which can be returned after installation. Once your original part is returned and inspected, the core charge is refunded.


Why Is a Core Required?

Core returns are essential because they allow us to:

  • Reuse OEM components for remanufacturing

  • Maintain a steady supply of rebuildable parts

  • Keep costs lower for customers

  • Reduce waste by recycling usable materials

Without core returns, the cost of remanufactured parts would be significantly higher.


How the Core Charge Works

  1. Purchase

    • A core charge is added to your order at checkout

  2. Install the New Part

    • You install the replacement part you received

  3. Return Your Old Part (Core)

    • Send your original part back to us

  4. Inspection & Refund

    • Once received and inspected, your core refund is processed


Returning Your Core

Customers have a few options for returning cores:

  • Prepay return shipping at checkout

  • Ship the core back using their own carrier

  • Have return shipping deducted from the core refund

We recommend contacting us before returning your core to ensure you receive the correct instructions.


Core Return Requirements

To qualify for a full core refund, the returned part must typically:

  • Be the same type of part that was purchased

  • Be complete as the original unit you purchased

If a core does not meet these requirements, a partial refund or no refund may be issued.


When Will I Receive My Core Refund?

Core refunds are processed after:

  • The core is received

  • The core is inspected and approved

Processing times may vary, but we work to complete refunds as quickly as possible.


Need Help With a Core Return?

If you have questions about your core charge or need help returning your core, our team is here to assist.

Reach out to us before sending your core back so we can ensure everything is handled correctly and your refund is processed smoothly.

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