Why Turbos Fail
Exhaust gases, which can have temperatures of more than nine hundred degrees Celsius, drive the turbochargers at a speed of more than one hundred thousand revolutions per minute. It is HARDROCK for any mechanical part. Turbo failures are most often due to oil starvation, dirty oil, foreign object ingestion or just as much as high mileage. The bearings in the centre housing are the most critical component, and failure of these bearings will lead to failure of the turbine and compressor wheels touching the housings resulting in catastrophic damage.
Symptoms of a Failing Turbo
The most noticeable symptom is the loss of power. Many cars have a noticeable lack of power if they feel like they’re not pulling as hard as before, and in such a case, the turbo might not be producing full boost. If the exhaust is blue or grey smoke, it means that the oil is leaking past the turbo seals and burning inside of the engine. If it sounds like a whistle or a whine that worsens at higher speeds, it is likely that the bearings are worn. Other frequent indications include a check engine light for boost pressure or wastegate control.
Sourcing a Replacement
Buying new authentic turbocharged vehicles from the car manufacturer is an eye-watering experience, not only for the price of the vehicle, but for those of the actual turbocharger, which can cost over 1000 pounds even on a mainstream car. These turbos are rebuilt to the original specification with new bearings, seals and sometimes new wheels, and are a great value at about half the price. The lowest-mileage donor vehicles have the lowest cost used turbos, but the highest risk. Online parts websites allow you to narrow down the choices as you look for a turbine for sale that is compatible with your engine, as well as to compare prices from many different suppliers, eliminating the need to overpay for parts and removing the guesswork.
New, Remanufactured or Used
If you’re looking for a turbo for a long-term use, typically the best value is one from a trusted remanufacturer. These range from 12 months to 2 years warranty. If you’re looking to put a lot of money into a rebuild, a used turbo might be wise for an older car, but be sure to check for shaft play before installation. If the car is still new and still under warranty, or if you just want to be safe, then the new and original turbo is a good investment.
Installation Tips
When installing a new turbo, always change out the oil feed and return lines. The most common cause of premature failure of a replacement turbos is due to the blocked or restricted oil lines. After 20 minutes of observing the engine oil pressure, repeat this process on the first start of the engine, this time with the fuel system turned on and the engine cranked until the oil pressure reaches 45 psi. Repeat this procedure after 20 minutes of engine oil pressure observation, with the fuel system on and the engine cranked until the oil pressure is at 45 psi. Run the engine for a minute after installation before driving, and be sure not to hard-accelerate until the vehicle is running at operating temperature. These are easy things you can do to keep your investment safe.
Then, What About the Exhaust Manifold?
In certain cars, the turbo is mounted to a single exhaust manifold/turbo housing. When you are budgeting, take into account the possibility of the manifold being cracked or the studs being corroded. Turbo manifold studs are known to break when being removed, particularly on high mileage vehicles and removing broken studs is time consuming and expensive.
Conclusion
You don’t have to break the bank for a turbo replacement. Remanufactured turbos provide a good performance at a lower price than new turbos and used turbos can even further help you budget the older vehicle as long as it works. Take care of your oil, fit it correctly and maintain it and your replacement turbo will serve you well for many thousands of miles.
Matthew Wilde
Matthew Wilde is an automotive journalist with experience contributing to leading publications. He focuses on delivering clear, well-researched analysis of automotive industry news and vehicles. Growing up surrounded by a variety of cars, Matthew developed a strong foundation in automotive technology and design. His work emphasizes accuracy and depth, aimed at informing both enthusiasts and industry professionals with straightforward, precise reporting.
https://theweeklydriver.com/