By Eric van Spelde
Editor in Chief, ReMaTecNews Online
Sometimes we come across parts and systems that are not yet on production vehicles. It's always interesting to look at how automotive technology is evolving, and what will be on the remanufacturers' work benches and assembly lines in due course.
Or, will there be any remanufacturing - as we know it - possible at all? This question was raised after taking a closer look at some parts that are in 2012, not-yet-in-showrooms car models. A high pressure diesel pump for a leading European brand, appeared to be a lot more compact and simple (and probably cheaper to make) than its predecessors. There also was not a single screw or bolt to be found in the unit. It's truly 'sealed for life'.
A steering rack to which the hydraulic hard lines would normally be fitted using fasteners, now has had them welded to the housing. In this case, one of the lines was pinched shut, rendering the entire housing beyond repair.
We also took a look at a dual clutch assembly of a 2007 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 (59 kW/80 hp) with the 7-speed, dry clutch DSG box. As of yet, we cannot see a way to replace the clutch discs without destroying the 'cage' they are in (containing the flywheel and starter motor gear).
What major parts and assemblies have you come across that, for all intents and purposes, are become 'throwaway items'? And what sort of workarounds have you developed, or are thinking about, to be able to continue serivng your customers with a remanufactured product - saving them money and us all valuable resources?
For sure there are many parts that requires some extra thoughts in order to make them remanufacturable,the saying goes ; everything can be remanufactured it is just a matter of cost :)
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