Core Charge on Air Struts: What It Is and How to Get Your Refund

Why Is There a Core Charge on Your Air Strut?

You found the right part. The vehicle fitment checks out. Then, right under the price, you see something that makes you stop:

Price includes a $300 core charge that will be refunded once the original unit is received by Arnott.

Is that $300 added on top of the price? Is it a hidden fee? Will another charge appear after your order ships?

Core charges on remanufactured suspension parts confuse plenty of buyers, especially when you're already spending hundreds of dollars on an air suspension repair.

The simple answer is this: a core charge is a refundable deposit tied to your old part. On ShockWarehouse product pages, that deposit is already included in the listed price when the product says it includes a core charge.

If you return an acceptable original core, you receive the stated core refund. If you decide not to return it, you don't receive that refund.

What Is a Core on an Air Strut?

In this situation, a core is the old suspension component you remove from your vehicle.

Many Arnott remanufactured air struts, electronic shocks, and Mercedes-Benz ABC struts begin with an original equipment housing. Arnott disassembles the original unit, inspects the reusable components, and rebuilds the assembly with replacement parts where required.

That process depends on having usable original equipment units available to remanufacture.

Your worn factory strut may no longer perform correctly on your vehicle, but its housing and other components can still have remanufacturing value. Returning it helps supply the next original equipment core that can be inspected and rebuilt.

That's why the core has monetary value.

The charge encourages customers to return complete original assemblies instead of throwing them away or sending them to a scrap yard.

Is the Core Charge Added to the Price at Checkout?

No, not when the ShockWarehouse product page states that the price includes the core charge.

This is an important distinction because automotive retailers don't always display core deposits the same way.

On applicable ShockWarehouse listings, you'll typically see:

• The current purchase price: This already includes the refundable core deposit.
• The core charge amount: This tells you how much can be refunded after an accepted core return.
• The net price after core return: This shows your effective part cost after receiving the refund.

For example, if a remanufactured strut costs $1,260.18 and includes a $300 core charge, you pay $1,260.18 for the order. After an accepted core return, your effective cost becomes $960.18.

You aren't charged another $300 later.

If you don't return the old unit, you keep your original part and don't receive the $300 refund.

How Much Is a Core Charge on Air Struts?

There isn't one universal core charge for every remanufactured suspension component.

The amount depends on the specific part, application, and value of the reusable original equipment core. Current Arnott applications sold through ShockWarehouse can carry deposits ranging from smaller amounts to several hundred dollars.

Examples can include:

• $50 cores: Found on certain air struts, electronic shocks, and factory self-leveling applications.
• $100 cores: Used on some remanufactured Mercedes-Benz air strut applications.
• $200 cores: Found on several Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, and other premium air suspension applications.
• $300 cores: Used on certain Mercedes-Benz ABC struts, including R230 SL-Class applications.

The product page for your exact part should always be treated as the final authority.

Why Can Mercedes-Benz ABC Core Charges Be So High?

Mercedes-Benz Active Body Control components are considerably more complex than many conventional shocks.

For example, ShockWarehouse currently carries these remanufactured R230 SL-Class ABC units:

• Arnott SK-2412 Front Right ABC Strut
• Arnott SK-2413 Front Left ABC Strut
• Arnott SK-2414 Rear Right ABC Strut
• Arnott SK-2415 Rear Left ABC Strut

Each of these units currently includes a $300 refundable core charge.

If you're replacing all four corners, that's $1,200 in potential core refunds. That makes properly handling and returning the original units especially important.

How to Get Your Core Charge Refunded

The basic process isn't complicated, but you should handle the old assembly carefully.

Step 1: Start With the ShockWarehouse Return Form

Before shipping anything, submit the ShockWarehouse Return Form.

All return requests and core inquiries should start there. This allows the team to confirm the correct instructions for your specific order and part number.

Don't send an expensive suspension core to an address found on an old forum post or third-party website.

Step 2: Keep the Packaging From Your New Part

Don't immediately throw away the box after installing your replacement strut.

The original shipping box is usually the easiest packaging to reuse for the old assembly. It was already designed to protect a similarly sized suspension component during transit.

Keep the protective material, inserts, and other packaging until you know whether you're returning your core.

Step 3: Return the Complete Original Assembly

The old unit shouldn't be stripped down before it's returned.

Arnott's core program generally looks for complete original assemblies with their intact components. Depending on the application, that may include:

• Original shock or strut body
• Electrical wiring harnesses
• Electrical plugs and connectors
• Hoses
• Sensors
• Ball joints or attached components
• Other original equipment included with the assembly

Standalone air springs aren't the same thing as complete shock or strut cores.

An incomplete core or one with damaged components may not qualify for the expected refund.

Step 4: Don't Cut the Wiring Harness

This deserves its own section because it's an easy mistake to avoid.

Unplug electrical connectors instead of cutting them.

When you're removing an electronic air shock or strut, it may be tempting to cut a stubborn wire and deal with it later. However, the wiring and connector can be valuable parts of the core assembly.

Take the extra time to disconnect the harness correctly.

Step 5: Protect the Core After Removal

Your old strut doesn't have to look new. After all, you're replacing it because it's worn or failed.

However, avoid creating unnecessary damage after removal.

Don't leave the assembly exposed outside, allow connectors to get crushed, or let the housing corrode unnecessarily. Once the replacement is installed, package the old unit while everything is still organized.

Step 6: Follow the Shipping Instructions You Receive

Core return procedures can vary depending on the part and return route.

That's another reason to start with the ShockWarehouse Return Form. Confirm where the unit is going and how it should be shipped before paying for freight.

Who Pays Shipping When You Return a Core?

This is where two different programs can easily get confused.

Your core refund tied to a ShockWarehouse purchase and Arnott's separate core recycling or buyback program aren't necessarily the same process.

Arnott operates a separate program that purchases certain qualifying original equipment cores. Eligible participants in the continental United States may receive a prepaid shipping label through that program.

However, you shouldn't assume that a prepaid Arnott buyback label automatically applies to your ShockWarehouse order refund.

Start with the ShockWarehouse returns process and confirm the correct route for your specific part.

When Does It Make Sense to Keep Your Old Strut?

You aren't required to chase every available core refund if returning the part doesn't make sense for your situation.

There are several situations where keeping the old assembly may be reasonable.

International Shipping Costs

International customers should compare the available refund with their actual return costs.

A heavy suspension assembly can be expensive to ship internationally. Brokerage charges, duties, packaging, and freight may change the math considerably.

If a core refund is relatively small, shipping may cost more than you'll receive back.

A $300 Mercedes-Benz ABC core creates a very different calculation than a $50 core.

The Vehicle Owner Wants the Original Part

Professional repair shops may have customers who want their original components returned after the repair.

If the owner wants to keep the original assembly, the core refund may be forfeited.

Project Cars and Specialty Builds

An enthusiast may want the original housing for future rebuilding, restoration, or reference.

That's a legitimate reason to keep it. Just remember that you're giving up the core refund associated with returning the unit.

The important point is that you should make the decision intentionally.

Which Suspension Parts Usually Have Core Charges?

Core charges are primarily associated with remanufactured components that depend on reusable original equipment assemblies.

Examples can include remanufactured:

• Air struts
• Electronic shocks
• Mercedes-Benz ABC struts
• Adaptive suspension components
• Other specialty OE-based suspension assemblies

You'll commonly encounter these products while shopping Arnott suspension components for vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Land Rover, Range Rover, Porsche, Bentley, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.

If you're shopping an application with factory leveling technology, make sure you know which suspension system the vehicle actually uses. ShockWarehouse's GM suspension decoder explains differences between systems such as Z55 Autoride and ZW7 Nivomat self-leveling suspension.

Do New Bilstein, KYB, Monroe, FOX, or KONI Shocks Have Core Charges?

Standard new replacement shocks generally don't require you to return your old shock.

That means you're not normally dealing with this remanufactured-part core process when purchasing conventional new products such as:

• Bilstein B4, B6 4600, B8 5100, and other new Bilstein shocks
• KYB Excel-G, Gas-a-Just, MonoMax, and Strut-Plus products
• Monroe OESpectrum, Magnum, and Quick-Strut products
• FOX performance and off-road shocks
• KONI performance, replacement, and heavy-duty shocks

Always read the individual product page before ordering. If a product includes a refundable core deposit, ShockWarehouse identifies that charge on the listing.

Can You Avoid a Core Charge With a New Air Strut?

Sometimes.

Arnott sells both remanufactured and brand-new suspension components, depending on the application.

A new-build component doesn't depend on recovering the original housing for remanufacturing. That means a core return may not be required.

This can make a new replacement appealing if both new and remanufactured options are available for your vehicle.

Don't choose only by the initial listed price, though. Compare:

• Purchase price
• Refundable core amount
• Net cost after the core return
• Return shipping considerations
• Warranty coverage
• New versus remanufactured construction
• Correct vehicle and suspension fitment

You can review ShockWarehouse's warranty information when comparing replacement options.

What About Converting Air Suspension to Coil Springs?

Another option is to eliminate the factory air suspension system.

Arnott offers air suspension-to-coil spring conversion kits for many applications.

These kits replace selected air suspension components with conventional steel coil springs and passive suspension components.

Depending on the vehicle, converting may eliminate components such as:

• Air springs
• Air struts
• Air compressors
• Air lines
• Some factory leveling components

This route can make sense on an older vehicle when the owner is tired of repeatedly repairing an aging air system.

However, a conversion changes how the suspension works.

Factory air suspension may provide automatic leveling, adjustable ride height, or other features. A coil conversion prioritizes mechanical simplicity and a fixed spring setup.

Neither choice is automatically better for every owner.

If drivetrain or suspension configuration is unclear, our guide to 2WD vs. 4WD shock fitment explains why small vehicle differences can change the correct suspension parts.

Core Charge on Air Struts: Quick Reference

Question	Answer
Is a core charge a fee?	No. It's a refundable deposit tied to your old part.
Is it added later at checkout?	Not when the ShockWarehouse listing says the core charge is included in the displayed price.
How much can a core charge be?	It varies by part. Current Arnott examples include $50, $100, $200, and $300 deposits.
How do I get the refund?	Start with the ShockWarehouse Return Form and return an acceptable complete original core.
Should I cut wires during removal?	No. Disconnect wiring and preserve the complete assembly whenever possible.
Who pays return shipping?	Return procedures vary. Confirm your instructions before purchasing a shipping label.
What happens if I keep the old part?	You keep the core but don't receive the refundable deposit.
Do conventional new shocks have core charges?	Generally no. Check the individual product listing to confirm.

Still Unsure About Your Air Strut Core Charge?

A core charge shouldn't be a mystery or an unexpected expense. It's simply a refundable deposit attached to certain remanufactured suspension components.

Before ordering, check the product page for the exact core amount and net price after return. Keep the replacement packaging, preserve your complete original assembly, and don't cut electrical connectors during removal.

If you're deciding between a remanufactured strut, a new air suspension replacement, or an Arnott coil spring conversion kit, verify your vehicle's exact suspension configuration first.

Not sure which option fits your vehicle or how your core return works? Contact ShockWarehouse before ordering. We'll help you confirm the correct part, understand the core charge, and choose the suspension repair that makes the most sense for your vehicle.