Turbo is Done

[KingStroker]

OK guys I'm thinking the bearing on my turbo is going. The last few days I've been getting this terrible high pitched squeal from the turbo. It gets worse when I build a couple pounds of boost but seems to be present all the time. Anyway my question is should I rebuild it or replace it. I'm leaning toward replacing it, but was looking for some input on what replacement to go with and where to get the best deal on one. Any and all responses are appreciated.

[Evil Eye]

When mine went out, I went with the PowerMax. I've been VERY happy with it and it was relatively inexpensive. I wouldn't consider trying to rebuild the stock setup. It's prone to problems and there are other (better) options.

[Term3]

KingStroker just out of curiosity had you always let your exhaust temperature cool down before you shut off your engine? Key thing here is to get the temperature below the oils flash point to keep coke formation in the turbo to an absolute minimum. It just seems unusual for an '05 to need bearings. I know a couple guys that have close to 150,000 miles on their original turbo but they are OCD when it comes to shutting down their engines with cool exhaust temperatures.

[KingStroker]

Term3 I've only had the truck since November...and 150000 was a while ago...it has 186000 on it. I've checked all the uppipes and such as best I know how and can't find a leak there anywhere...I really think it's the bearing in the turbo itself. It still builds boost but about 21psi is max. I've checked for end play and it's within what's acceptable, but it does have some side to side movement, not enough to make contact with the housing, but it definately moves. And as far as the cooling down and baking oil and all the turbo seems in perfect condition except for the godawful noise coming from it

[Term3]

Maybe you just need to pull it apart and clean it. Very common for the vanes and unison ring to get coked up.

[swaan]

Check the blue boot right off the turbo itself really well for tears or splits. Really common. If you can't get the wheels to touch the housing turning it by hand your turbos fine.
My brand new powermax had the same side to side play in it as my 125000 mile stock turbo. Your noise could be a lot of things. Idler pulley, alternator ect....
Have a better snif around before you blow your wad on a turbo you quite possibly not need.

[Six_0]

I'm in the same boat, replacing mine with an 03

[madpowerstroke]

I have been rebuilding these turbos and little side to side play is normal.The thrust bearing in the Garrett needs oil pressure on them to get rid of the small amount of the side play you are feeling.I have also been fusing turbos together to build my own custom turbos for my truck.(all VGT)

[KingStroker]

After hours of "experimenting" yesterday afternoon, I don't think it's my turbo. I've checked the boot directly off the turbo...it's in fair condition and definitely not the source of the noise. I was leaning towards an up-pipe for a while until I got under the truck. I can push up on the downpipe and the noise stops instantly. Let go and back to screaming at me! Does the down pipe have a gasket or something that could be bad? Oh...it's an MBRP 4" downpipe not the factory one...any help is appreciated. The noise is so bad I don't even like driving the truck right now....

[Fred@PMM]

Since you are getting a high pitched squeal my guess is either the bushings in the turbo are gone or you've had something go through the turbo and bend a vane. If you are in need for a turbo we have Garrett PowerMax Turbos on the shelf.