Turbochargers are crucial components that significantly enhance engine efficiency. However, when it comes to remanufactured turbochargers, there are many ill-conceived misconceptions about their quality in comparison to new replacement units.
Some even suggest that counterfeit units are the same as Garrett Original Reman, so in this article, we aim to dispel common myths and provide fact-based insights into the advanced technologies integrated into Garrett Remanufactured Turbochargers.
What is a remanufactured turbocharger?
A remanufactured turbocharger is a turbocharger that has undergone a comprehensive process of disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly to restore it to like-new condition. This process involves restoring the turbocharger to the exact specification of the vehicle manufacturer’s factory standards.
These settings are rigorously adhered to by Garrett Motion to deliver industry-leading remanufactured products.
Read more here!
One common source of confusion lies in distinguishing between remanufactured, refurbished, and used turbochargers.
Let’s have a look over each process and the characteristics of these products:
Remanufactured Turbos
Remanufacturing of turbochargers by Garrett Motion involves a meticulous and comprehensive process designed to restore the units to like-new condition. This means disassembling the entire unit, cleaning each remanufactured component thoroughly, and conducting a rigorous inspection. Any worn or damaged parts are identified and replaced with high-quality components, which includes installing any specified components uprated since original manufacture. At Garrett Motion, the remanufacturing process adheres to strict OEM specifications, ensuring that the final product will be the perfect match for your vehicle.
The process typically includes:
Disassembly: Complete disassembly of the turbocharger’s individual components.
Cleaning: Thorough cleaning to remove contaminants and deposits.
Inspection: Detailed inspection to identify worn or damaged components.
Balancing: Precise balancing of critical components to ensure even weight distribution and minimize vibration.
Replacement: Replacement of worn or damaged parts with high quality components.
Reassembly: Precise reassembly of the turbocharger.
Testing: Testing and checking to ensure adherence to OEM specifications.
Refurbished Turbos
Refurbished turbochargers undergo a restoration process that is less extensive than remanufacturing. The focus is often on repairing or restoring specific components rather than a complete overhaul. While the goal is to address issues and improve functionality, the depth of the restoration may vary between different refurbishment processes. As a result, the level of quality and reliability in a refurbished turbocharger might not reach the same standards as Garrett remanufactured units.
The refurbishment process typically includes:
Selective Repairs: Repair or restoration of specific components.
Inspection: Limited inspection to identify and address visible issues.
Cleaning: Basic cleaning to remove surface contaminants.
Testing: Variable testing procedures, which may not be as extensive as in remanufacturing.
Used Turbos
Used turbochargers, while still operational, will likely lack the comprehensive disassembly, inspection, replacement and testing process applied to remanufactured turbos. These units are sourced from existing vehicles and will perhaps have undergone basic inspection and/or repairs. However, with no verified proof of history or condition, used turbocharger performance can be variable, and will be unlikely to reach the same level of assurance provided by a remanufactured turbo.
The used process typically includes:
Sourcing: Retrieval from existing vehicles, some with high mileage.
Basic Inspection: Inspection limited to visible issues.
Cleaning: Minimal cleaning to remove surface contaminants.
History Uncertainty: Lack of detailed information about the turbocharger’s history.
This myth suggests that counterfeit remanufactured turbochargers are on par with the reliability of original Garrett Remanufactured turbochargers. This misconception can not only compromise engine performance but might also pose a significant risk to vehicle safety.
Quality Compromises:
Counterfeit remanufactured turbochargers are often produced using substandard materials and inferior manufacturing processes. Often times, people assume a counterfeit turbo will perform the same as a genuine product. The result is a product that may look similar on the outside but lacks the quality assured components and precision engineering that define original Garrett Remanufactured turbochargers.
Reliability Concerns:
Reliability is a cornerstone of Garrett’s reputation, built over years of expertise and adherence to stringent industry standards. Counterfeit turbochargers, however, are notorious for inconsistent performance and a higher likelihood of failure. This unreliability can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, compromising the safety of both the vehicle and its occupants. In addition, counterfeit turbos are unlikely to achieve the emissions performance of authentic Garrett products.
Engine Safety at Risk:
Turbochargers play a critical role in engine efficiency and performance. Opting for a counterfeit unit can compromise the integrity of the engine system, putting the entire vehicle at risk. Inferior materials and subpar craftsmanship in counterfeit turbochargers can lead to malfunctions, causing irreversible damage to the engine and posing a serious safety hazard.
There is a common misconception surrounding Garrett Motion Remanufactured turbochargers that they fail to keep pace with technological advances. In fact, Garrett Remanufactured turbos include uprated components that comply with the original specification.
Let’s take a closer look at the technologies present in Garrett Remanufactured turbocharger range:
VNT turbocharger technology
Vehicles featuring Garrett Remanufactured Variable Nozzle Turbine (VNT) technology benefit from optimized control of exhaust gas flow, thereby enhancing responsiveness across a broad range of engine speeds. Turbine wheel exhaust flow control results in higher torque, more power, better transient response, and cleaner combustion.
Learn more about VNT turbochargers here!
Dual-stage technology
Dual-stage technology, usually characterized by combining Variable Nozzle Turbine (VNT) functionality with a low pressure wastegate turbo, is newly available in certain regions as a remanufactured offer and represents a sophisticated approach to turbocharger design. This innovation plays a pivotal role in enhancing engine performance, offering benefits such as improved responsiveness, increased efficiency, and optimized power delivery.
Learn more about Dual Stage Technology here!
Wastegate & Free floating technology
Garrett wastegate and free-floating turbos for large highway applications are known for their track record of performing under harsh conditions. Backed by decades of experience and based on proven design, they offer a great reliability and durability.
Learn more about Wastegate & Free floating technology here!
Remanufactured turbochargers are sometimes mistakenly perceived as products without warranty coverage. In fact, while this might be the case for some turbochargers, every Garrett Original Reman comes with a 2-year warranty.
Why Garrett’s 2-year Warranty matters:
Quality Assurance:
The 2-year warranty is a testament to Garrett Motion’s commitment to rigorous testing and quality control, with remanufactured units certified to meet performance standards.
Protection Against Defects:
In the rare event of a manufacturing defect or premature failure, Garrett’s warranty offers a practical remediation solution, including repair, replacement, or refund—protecting consumers against unforeseen issues.
Dispelling these myths sometimes associated with remanufactured turbochargers will help vehicle owners make informed decisions based on fact not supposition.
With a Garrett Reman turbo, there’s no need to compromise on quality.
Learn more about Garrett REMAN, visit our page!
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