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Core Policies

About Cores
All of the Steering Store prices are exchange prices.  This means that we want your old part back.  In order to ensure that we get your old part back we put a deposit on your part.  Once you or your mechanic installs the part, we'll have you or the mechanic send the part back to us.  If you purchased an optional ARS label, then the shipping costs include the return of the core, so you do not have to worry about that.   When we get your good part back we refund the deposit.  

Returning Cores
To return the core, place the old core in the same box and attach the supplied UPS sticker.  If an ARS label was attached, then record the UPS tracking number.  Put the ARS label over the old shipping label.  Do not cut or modify the sticker in anyway.  Hand to any UPS driver or return at an authorized location.  Most parts are too big for drop boxes.  See UPS.com for locations.

If you are shipping yourself, use the same box and return to:  

Attn: Receiving
The Steering Store
Suite 405
10211 Pacific Mesa
San Diego, CA 92121

We Guarantee all good cores will be refunded within two weeks of us receiving the core.  No one else can match that.  

Core Return Policy
It is our goal to return the core deposit of every customer.  The only time core refunds are not given is when the part is visibly damaged or stripped, such as from an accident.  Our policy is such that we can ensure the highest quality parts and the best prices.  

All cores must be received within 90 days for full credit.  Cores received after that time may be subject to current market prices or fees.  Please see below to determine which cores are good and will be receiving credit.    

Core refunds are credited once a week.  Please allow two weeks to receive your core refund from when we receive the core.  Cores are returned ground, so this may take up to 6 days.  If you paid via credit card, we will put the credit right back on your card.  If you paid via COD or other, we will mail you a check.

We Guarantee all good cores will be refunded within two weeks of us receiving the core.  No one else can match that.  

Please do not call or email about core credits until 1) You have checked the date that we received your core by entering your tracking number at ups.com  2) Have waited at least two weeks from that date and 3) Have already checked your credit card statement or mail box.    

We apologize for sounding harsh, but we refund thousands of core deposits each year and are inundated with calls and emails on this.  We will get your refund.  We appreciate your understanding in this.  Thank You.  

The following cores are NOT good and will NOT receive credit

Rack and Pinion

Cores with the following problems are unacceptable:

• Bent Tie Rod Ends
• Broken Mountings
• Damaged Pinion Splines
• Damaged Steel Lines
• Damaged Port Threads
• Damaged Housing
• Cut Solenoid Wires or Broken Solenoids

Steering Gear Box

Cores with the following problems are unacceptable:

• Broken or Stripped Mountings
• Damaged Input Shaft Splines
• Damaged Port Threads
• Damaged Housing
• Damaged or Stripped Pitman Shaft.
• Cut Solenoid Wires or Broken Solenoids

Power Steering Pumps

Cores with the following problems are unacceptable: 

• Broken or Stripped Mountings
• Damaged Port Threads
• Broken or Damaged Reservoir Housing
• Bent or Broken Return Tubes
• Scored or Stripped Pulley Shafts.

Most cores are fully refunded unless visibly not good.  Special order cores, or parts that are considered ‘critical core’ will be very carefully inspected before refunds are given.  These parts must be in very good condition to receive credit. 

Partial core credits are given at the discretion of The Steering Store.

Why do we want your core?
The core you have can usually be remanufactured and then sold again. By sending us your old part we are able to dramatically lower the cost of components and save you money.  Each of our products ship with everything you need to  send the core back, including the box, labels and prepaid shipping.  Once we receive your acceptable core (see below for more on this), we will refund the deposit to your credit card.  You have 45 days to return the core.

What is Remanufactured?
Remanufactured is a better way of replacing automotive parts.  Anytime you see something that has a core charge or exchange price associated with it you know you are buying remanufactured parts. (The 'core' is the industry term used to describe the part that is currently in the car and not working correctly)  Remanufacturing has grown in popularity as remanufacturers have become better at what they do and as testing equipment has become more advanced.  With today's technology we can often rebuild parts better than the new ones from the factory because we know where trouble spots might be and are able to fix them before they leave the shop.   

Much like coke cans and bottles have deposits on them because they can be recycled, the core you have can usually be remanufactured and then sold again. By sending us your old part we are able to dramatically lower the cost of components and save you money.  Recycling old cores is also an environmentally friendly way to save money. Each of our products ship with everything you need to send the core back, including the box, labels and prepaid shipping.  Once we receive your core we will remove the deposit from your credit card.

The only difference between remanufactured and new is the price.  New parts can cost thousands of dollars, but because many parts only need minor fixes to work properly, the concept of remanufactured has become very popular.  All of our parts are completely remanufactured and have a limited lifetime warranty, (unless otherwise noted) which you won't find on new parts. Visit our Products section to learn more.

There is also a difference between used, rebuilt, refurbished, repaired, reconditioned, overhauled, replacement, OEM, aftermarket and new.  Do not be fooled by the term used, but rather find out what they do with the part.  The Steering Store's parts are completely disassembled, cleaned and checked.  Only cores that meet the toughest requirements will go on.  We replace seals, bushings, and bearings.  Then we reassemble and test the system on advanced machines.  Our unsurpassed quality is why we can offer a lifetime warranty on our parts.