Turbocharger Core Exchange Programs: How They Work and What to Expect

When a turbocharger fails and the vehicle needs to be back in service quickly, a core exchange program is often the fastest and most cost-effective option. PT Turbo has operated an exchange program since the 1980s. Here is exactly how it works and what you can expect.

What a Core Exchange Program Is

In a core exchange, the supplier ships you a pre-rebuilt turbocharger unit from inventory before receiving your failed unit. You install the rebuilt unit, then return the failed core within an agreed timeframe (45 days under our return policy). The core deposit—a refundable charge added to the purchase price—is returned when the failed core arrives in rebuildable condition.

This model works because turbocharger cores—the failed units—have significant value. Most of the metal in a failed turbocharger is perfectly serviceable: the housings, the compressor wheel if undamaged, and structural components. Only the bearings, seals, and sometimes the turbine wheel need replacement. When we receive your failed core, we rebuild it and it becomes part of the inventory for the next customer’s exchange.

The Core Charge Explained

The core charge is not a fee—it is a deposit that you receive back. The amount is set per part number and is shown on the product page as “Core Deposit” before you order. Small turbos carry the lowest deposits; large commercial variable-geometry units carry the highest, because their cores are worth the most.

The deposit is refunded when the failed core arrives and passes a rebuildability inspection. Cores with catastrophic housing damage, missing components, or severe corrosion may be assessed a partial return or refused.

What Qualifies as a Rebuildable Core

A core is rebuildable when:

• The turbine and compressor housings are free of cracks and major erosion
• The center section housing is intact and the bearing bores are not scored beyond rebuildable limits
• The turbo arrives with all mounting hardware and oil fitting locations intact
• The unit has not been cut open or disassembled in a way that compromises the housings

Turbos with disintegrated compressor wheels that have damaged the housing, or with turbine housing cracks from overheating, may not qualify for full core credit.

Shipping Your Failed Core

After installation, drain the failed turbo of residual oil, bag the oil ports, and ship it back in the original packaging from the replacement unit. Core returns follow our return policy; call us if you have a question about your core.

PT Turbo’s exchange program covers all major diesel platforms—light duty, commercial, and performance applications. Call (909) 824-1020 to confirm availability for your specific turbo, or visit our online store. Contact us here.

Shop PT Turbo: Browse our remanufactured turbocharger catalog and our turbocharger rebuild kit catalog — OEM-spec replacements with a 12-month, unlimited-mile warranty. In-stock units available for same-day shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a turbo core charge refundable?

Yes. The core charge is a deposit, not a fee, and it is refunded when the failed core arrives and passes a rebuildability inspection. Cores with catastrophic housing damage, missing components or severe corrosion may receive a partial refund or be refused.

When is the old turbo sent back in a core exchange?

After the rebuilt unit is installed. The replacement ships first, the failed turbo goes back in the same packaging, and the core deposit is refunded once the core arrives in rebuildable condition. The return deadline is given with the order.

How should an old turbo be prepared for a core return?

Drain the residual oil, bag the oil ports and send the turbo back in the original packaging from the replacement unit. It should arrive with all mounting hardware and must not be cut open or disassembled in a way that compromises the housings.

Further Reading

• OEM vs Remanufactured Turbocharger: Which Is Better?
• Turbocharger Rebuild vs Replace: What’s the Right Call?
• How to Spot a Counterfeit Turbocharger Before You Buy
• Inside a Professional Turbocharger Rebuild at PT Turbo
• Buying Turbocharger Parts Online: What to Know First

Further reading: Learn more about turbocharger technology.

PT Turbo also rebuilds customers’ own cores. See our turbo rebuild service for how the process works.