Tips for Conducting Turbocharger Repairs

Posted by Linda Share on February 28th, 2016

 Most people think that repairing a turbocharger is far too complicated a task for the average car mechanic or driver. However, this is far from the truth unless your turbocharger has been damaged enough to warrant rebuilding or remanufacture. Most of the common turbocharger problems are relatively and fairly inexpensive to remedy. Further, reconditioned turbochargers are almost as good as new as far as performance is concerned. So here are a few handy tips to help you get started on your turbocharger repairs.

Firstly and most importantly, be sure that your turbocharger is actually in a repairable condition. Broadly speaking, if the turbocharger’s compressor wheel is still turning and has not made contact with the compressor housing, it should be repairable. Nonetheless, open up the turbocharger and inspect its internal components just to be safe because any compressor or turbine damage basically renders it impossible to repair. Even if successfully rebuilt, such reconditioned turbochargers will continue to malfunction and eventually break down. To put it briefly, it simply is not worth the effort or time expended in repairing the turbocharger as compared to replacing it with a new one.

If your turbocharger’s internal components are in order, then you are ready to begin turbocharger repairs. Keep in mind that the most common complaints with turbochargers are loud noises, reduced power and unusual exhaust smoke. Fortunately these problems are easily remedied. Start by cleaning the air passage and changing the air filter since dirty-air clean systems are often responsible for oil leakage at the compressor. Tighten the compressor-intake ducts if they seem to have come loose and make it a point to meticulously remove any foreign objects that you encounter in the ducting or the compressor housing. After that, make sure that the open passage between the central bearing hole and the hole for the oil drain is completely free of any carbon deposits. It is also worth noting that the oil drain line may itself become clogged and need to be replaced or cleaned. Carbon deposits are also known to accumulate in turbine shaft as it is one of the hottest areas in the engine where oil accumulates. Make sure you remove these deposits before re-assembling the turbocharger.

Before you begin to rebuild your turbocharger, it is highly advisable to use engine assembly lubricants as this will make it considerably easier for you to reassemble your turbocharger as it eliminates friction which can be very frustrating for both mechanics and laymen alike. If you have performed the above mentioned steps as listed and described above, then such reconditioned turbochargers should perform almost as well as a new one fresh out of the factory. In any case, hiring a service provider who is specialized in this task is also a good alternative.

Finally, it should be noted that although you may be able to perform some turbocharger repairs yourself, do not hesitate to approach a professional mechanic for guidance if you are unsure about what you are doing. Not only will this decision save you a lot of money but will also protect your turbocharger from unnecessary damage. Turbochargers cost up to a 00 dollars and are easily damaged if not handled with care and hence expertise is a must while handling them. 

Given the cost of turbochargers, considering usage of reconditioned turbochargers is an alternative that should never be ruled out. Of course turbocharger repairs need expertise and hence should be carried out under guidance of specialized professionals.