From speed marvel to turbocharger damage

It always happens at the worst possible moment: some strange noise comes from the engine or the exhaust, and it seems to sound worse with every kilometre. The suspicion that it is turbocharger damage is very close at hand. If at that point you are hoping that “it will somehow sort itself out”, you are on the wrong track. Because a worsening turbo fault can take the whole car off the road.

The fact is: if the turbocharger is broken, consequential damage can occur. However, that does not always mean that you have to buy a new turbocharger straight away. Sometimes an electronic actuator repair is enough. That is why it is important to act in good time to prevent reduced engine power and to head off a complete standstill, in other words turbocharger damage.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A TURBOCHARGER IS FAULTY?

As a driver, guesswork and wild speculation will not get you anywhere. If your vehicle is making unusual noises, it is best to consult an expert. They can quickly determine whether, for example, the vacuum actuator or the vacuum valve is damaged.

But how does turbocharger damage occur? The following four categories are the main causes:

Foreign objects

Faults can result from damage to the turbine wheel and / or compressor wheel when small foreign objects enter the turbine or compressor housing at high speed. They then block the turbocharger wheels and cause imbalance. The mechanism is disrupted and can no longer deliver proper performance.

1. Lack of lubrication

Another cause can be fatigue cracks and material transfer resulting from friction and high temperatures. Indicators are an inadequate supply of lubricating oil, an incorrectly seated seal or the use of poor-quality liquid sealants or lubricants. Turbo power is then out of the question, as the car only runs with limited power and at some point barely makes it to a nearby workshop.

2. Oil contamination

Bearing damage in turbochargers is usually caused by a high concentration of blasting abrasive and carbon residues in the oil. The turbocharger damage can also result from failing to observe the prescribed oil and oil filter change intervals or from poor maintenance. For drivers this is often very annoying, as the subsequent repair can take a long time if the reaction comes too late. 

3. Overspeed and overheating

Are you someone who likes to push the engine until the needle swings all the way? Do you find it fascinating to coax every last note out of the turbocharger’s roar? With overloading, however, that passion can quickly backfire. Because damage to the turbocharger can occur when its performance limits are exceeded. Failure to observe the manufacturer’s specifications is also often a harbinger of turbocharger damage. In addition, maintenance shortcomings, engine faults or unauthorised measures to increase performance can cause the maximum permissible speed to be exceeded and, as a result, lead to material fatigue in the compressor and turbine wheels.

Turbocharger faulty! Keep driving anyway?

This sweeping question can only be answered with a question in return: what exactly is affected by the turbocharger damage? The turbocharger consists of various individual parts that are responsible for the smooth running of the system. The Turboservice24 calibration in Berlin may already be enough to fix the fault.

In our workshop, our team of experts checks what kind of turbocharger damage it is. Is it the vacuum hose, the turbo valve or the electronic actuator? If the vacuum actuator on the turbocharger is faulty, we can often fix the turbocharger damage with a simple repair. Alternatively, you can buy a new vacuum actuator from us.

How can turbocharger damage be avoided?

As with all technical equipment, the same applies to the engine: proper care is extremely important. This includes the right oil, one that contains no production residues and has not been produced under the wrong conditions. For the best result, distribute the turbocharger care, i.e. the oil, by starting the engine and running it at low revs for about half a minute.

For a longer service life and, at the same time, to avoid turbocharger damage, you are on the safe side if you follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the oil. When switching off the engine, make sure it keeps running for a few seconds at low revs. This is because, especially after a fast drive, the turbocharger keeps working for a little while and the turbo is lubricated optimally.

The check before you start looking for a workshop

If turbocharger damage has already occurred, it is best to carry out the check below before you set off for the workshop.

Checklist (feel free to print it out):

Loss of power

Check

… whether filters, hoses and pipes are clear and undamaged.
… the injection system for damage and correct adjustment.
… the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter, for blockages and damage.

Considerable noise 

Check

… whether all pipes, brackets and connections of the exhaust system are secure and undamaged.
… the intercooler for cracks or leaks.

Excessive smoke or increased oil consumption

Inspect

… the air filters for blockages.
... whether the engine oil meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
… whether the oil drain pipe is clean and free of blockages.
… the crankcase pressure and whether the engine breather system is working properly.
… whether hoses, fittings and connections are in perfect condition.
… whether there are carbonised oil deposits in the exhaust manifolds or turbine inlet, which indicate a fault in the engine lubrication system.