Remanufacturing CV ( Constant Velocity ) Axles
1. Diagnosis and Inspection
The first step of the process is identifying the defects and/or broken components in the axle. A skilled technician will examine the joints for excessive play and smooth operation. The axle will be disassembled, cleaned and inspected further. The axle shaft will be checked for straightness.
2. Repair / Remanufacture
After the issue is identified, the axle will be repaired with broken parts replaced. Depending on the problem, the inner or outer joint casing may need to be remanufactured. The remanufacturing process can involve grinding and upsizing internal components of the axle to accommodate the new dimensions of the interior after remanufacturing.
Some of our competitors may try to dissuade you from the remanufacturing/grinding process. Don't be misguided. We stand behind all of our work with a lifetime warranty and have performed the cv axle remanufacturing process with high success for over 20 years.
Here are some reasons why some of our competitors dislike the remanufacturing process.
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The remanufacturing process requires skilled technicians
In order to rebuild CV axles to last, a skilled technician must perform the work. The appropriate amount of grinding (within tolerances of the case hardening) will be performed. Over grinding can lead to failure. We examine and measure the case to ensure there is enough material to meet the guidelines of our lifetime warranty. Axle components that do not meet this criteria or cases that have a crack are not repairable, and must be replaced. -
There are are higher margins in selling new parts vs remanufacturing
Competitors wish to raise their profit margins through not employing the skilled staff required to perform the remanufacturing process. By selling only new components, they have essentially become a distributor. They survive off the profit gap between what they can buy the component for wholesale vs what they can sell it for retail. With the huge wave of cheap aftermarket components, there are huge profit margins on many auto parts. These aftermarket components are often lower quality than OEM. -
Claims of high failure rates
With our skilled technicians, we are able to offer a lifetime warranty on all remanufactured axles because we see so few (less than 1%) of the axles come back. If there really were a high failure rate, we would not be able to offer such a warranty.
3. Re-assembly
After the axle has been repaired, it is time to re-assemble the axle. Components inside and out are cleaned (and re-polished if necessary). Grease of the appropriate weight is applied in the joints with new high quality boots. Clamps are applied with appropriate tension to retain the boots. When applicable, a new coat of paint is applied to the outside of the axle to help resist corrosion.
Four good reasons to buy remanufactured axles
- Remanufactured OEM axles are often higher quality and longer lasting than cheap mass produced aftermarket components.
- Remanufacturing saves money. You wouldn't replace your car when it needs maintenance or repair, don't spend more on replacing an axle that just needs repair.
- Rebuilding/Repair is better for the environment. Discarding and recycling cause more waste than repair and reuse.
- Accuracy/Fit - after market parts are not always manufactured to the same accuracy and precision for fit in the vehicle. By repairing your OEM parts, they will fit and operate correctly.
