Common Street Part Names vs GM Part Names
The NewGMparts.com online parts catalog finds its origin in the official General Motors parts catalogs, and as such can sometime pose a challenge for those who don't "speak GM," as General Motors uses their own verbiage for specific types of parts. While most of the differences are small, they can occasionally be confusing...so we hope this list of common street names and corresponding GM part names will be helpful.
| Part Name | What GM Calls It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerator (chem) | Activator | |
| Accelerator (pedal) | Accelerator Lever, Accel Ped. or Pedal, Accel or Support, or Accel Ped LVR | |
| Aerial | Antenna | |
| Alternator | Generator | |
| Anchor Plate | Plate or Anchor | |
| Anti Squeak | Insulator | |
| Antifreeze | Coolant | |
| Assembly | See Notes | Assembly is not used as a noun name. An assembly consists of two or more items |
| Backplate | Plate | |
| Bead | Bead is not used as a noun name. | |
| Bellows | Pipe (flexible) | |
| Blank | See Notes | "Blank" is not used as a noun name. It describes a piece of material. |
| Board (elec) | Circuit Board | |
| Booklet | Manual | |
| Bottle | Container or Reservoir | |
| Buzzer | Alarm | |
| Casting | See Notes | Casting is not used as a noun name. It is a part made in a mold or form, so try specifying the part by name. |
| Catch | Striker | |
| Cement | Adhesive | |
| Chime | Alarm | |
| Cloth | Fabric | |
| Coalescer | Separator | |
| Condenser (elec) | Capacitor | |
| Condensor | Condenser | |
| Cone Or Roller Bearing | Cone, Cup, or Roller | |
| Control | See Notes | "Control" is not used as a noun name if a more specific name exists. Try controller or switch. |
| Crank Arm | Arm | |
| Crate | Box | |
| Crest | Vee, Emblem, Plate, Decal, Ornament, Letter, or Wreath | |
| Crystal | Resonator | |
| Cushioning | Protector | |
| Damper | Dampener | |
| Dashpot | Actuator | |
| Decklid Lid, | R/cmpt | |
| Decoupler | Coupling | |
| Dehydrator | Receiver And Dehydrator | |
| Dehydrator | Condenser | |
| Delcotron | Generator | |
| Dipstick | Indicator, oil LVL | |
| Disc | See Notes | "Disc" is not used as a noun name if a more specific name exists. Try diaphragm, rotor, spider |
| Disk | Disc | |
| Dog Bone | Support, eng | |
| Dowel | Pin | |
| Element | See Notes | Element is a general name for any part of an assembly. Use a specific name instead. |
| Fiber Optic | Conductor, LGT | |
| Field (elec Mot) | See Notes | "Field" is not used as a noun name. |
| Filter (air) | Element | |
| Fitting | See Notes | "Fitting" is not used as a noun name if a more specific name exists. Try adapter, bushing, coupling, elbow, nipple, reducer, tee or union. |
| Flex Agent (chem) | Additive or Component | |
| Foil | See Notes | "Foil" is not used if a more specific name exists, like insulator or reflector. |
| Freon (trade Name) | Refrigerant | |
| Fuseholder | Holder | |
| Gauge | See Notes | "Gauge" is not used as a noun name if a more specific name exists. Try meter, voltmeter, clock, tachometer, speedometer, accelerometer, etc. |
| Glass | Window, Windshield, or Mirror | |
| Glue | Adhesive | |
| Grease | Lubricant | |
| Grease Retainer | Seal, Lube | |
| Ground | Strap | |
| Hardener (chem) | Component | |
| Headrest | Restraint, hd | |
| Helicoil | Insert | |
| Hog Ring Ring, | Hog | |
| Inhibitor | Additive, Compound, or Coating | |
| Insert (wsw) | Wiper, w/s | |
| Installation Package | Attachment Package or Kit | |
| Intercooler | Cooler | |
| Keeper | Key | |
| Kit | See Notes | "Kit" is not used as a noun name. Instead, the item named may have the word kit added, e.g., "actuator kit" or "bearing kit." |
| Lamination | Coating | |
| Leaf Spring | Spring | |
| Leg | Riser | |
| License | Plate, lic | |
| Light | Headlamp, Lamp, Bulb, or Conductor | |
| Lining | (Brake Shoe) Facing | |
| Locking Unit | Nut | |
| Loctite (trade Name) | Adhesive | |
| Lubrication | Lubricant | |
| Lubricator | Oiler or Wick | |
| Mast | Antenna | |
| Medallion | Emblem or Ornament | |
| Member | Crossmember, Support, Sill, Bar, Rail, or Plate. | |
| Mesh | Net, Screen, Loom, or Reinforcement | |
| Microprocessor | See Notes | Microprocessor is not used as a noun name. Try "integrated circuit" instead. |
| Nameplate | Decal, Letter, Emblem, or Plate | |
| Netting | Net | |
| O Ring Seal | O-ring | |
| Overhaul Kit | See Notes | "Overhaul kit" is not used if a more specific name exists, like "gasket kit." |
| Patch | See Notes | Patch is not used as a noun name. |
| Pilot | Locator, Guide, or Spacer | |
| Pinion | Gear | |
| Piping | Lace | |
| Plug (elec) | Connector, Receptacle, or Terminal | |
| Port | Port is not used as a noun name. | |
| Powerplant | Engine or Motor | |
| Probe | Sensor or Indicator | |
| Race | Cone or Cup | "Race" is not used to describe a tapered roller bearing. |
| Ratchet | Pawl | |
| Rebuild Kit | See Notes | "Rebuild kit" is not used as a noun name by GM. The primary part in the kit may be included in the noun name (e.g., bearing kit). |
| Reflex | Reflector | |
| Release | Latch | |
| Repair | Procedure Instruction or Service | |
| Resin | Component | |
| Rest | Armrest, Footrest, or Head Restraint | |
| Retainer | See Notes | The name "retainer" is not used if a more specific name exists. Try bolt, nut, clip, clamp, bail, etc. |
| Retarder (chem) | Additive or Component | |
| Run | Weatherstrip | |
| Running Board | Step | Accessories uses the term "Running Board PKG". |
| Screw Bolt | Screw | "Bolt" is used as a service name rather than part name. |
| Script | Plate,name | |
| Sealant | Sealer | |
| Seat Belt | Belt | |
| Shedder | Slinger | |
| Silencer (air) | Muffler, Resonator, or Silencer | |
| Silencer (motion) | Insulator | |
| Stanchion | Support, Brace, or Riser | |
| Starter Motor | Motor | |
| Steering Link | Link | |
| Suppressor | Filter or Capacitor | |
| Thermistor | Sensor | |
| Tie Bar | Bar | |
| Tie Rod End | End | |
| Trim | See Notes | "Trim" is not used for stiff materials such as plastic, metal or cardboard. Try "panel" or the like. |
| Tubing | Hose | |
| Tuning Valve | Valve | |
| U Bolt | Bolt u | |
| Undercoating | Coating | |
| Velcro | Tape or "Hook And Loop" | |
| Visor | Sunshade | |
| Webbing | Belt | |
| Weir | Dam | |
| Well | Panel | |
| Windlace | Lace | |
| Wiring | Harness | |
| Worm | Gear | |
| Wrap | Band |
If you need assistance in finding what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us and speak with one of our professional parts staff at 877-498-7278 or email us at [email protected]