Turbo Questions

OZZYEDD · #1 (**permalink**) 04-11-2012, 10:26 AM

Hi there I've had some ongoing issues with what i think is turbo related, truck doesn't seem to have the same oomph and lags a bit when climbing even the slightest of hills, anyway i decided to inspect the turbo, so i removed the intake boot and discovered a small ding in one of the vanes, now my question i how much would it affect performance and can i replace the wheel without removing the whole turbo assembly as it looks like the housing can be split, the wheel itself has a very slight up/down and in/out movement and there does not appear to be any scoring to the housing, i have attached some pics ...thx Ozzy

superduty4x4 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-11-2012, 11:35 AM

The ding isn't doing you any favors but all things considered its really not that bad.
These turbos use a journal bearing that rides on a film of oil, so when the truck is shut off some play in the bearing is completely normal (side to side play that is). The important thing is that it isn't so loose that the wheel can contact the housing. Also, ANY in and out play is a bad thing and means you should rebuild the turbo PDQ.
I can't remember on the OBS if the compressor housing cover can be removed with the turbo still installed... I believe it can but don't quote me on that. You'd also have to remove your down pipe and come up with a way to hold the turbine wheel so you can remove the compressor wheel if you decide to go that route. Some guys wrap a screwdriver in duct tape and jam it in the turbine wheel, but many have also messed up the turbine wheel that way. I've heard of guys using a gator grip socket to hold the turbine wheel but not sure if there is enough room to do it with the turbo still installed or not.

desertdeer · #3 (**permalink**) 04-12-2012, 07:10 AM

shaft play is a pretty big deal. it can go from a little to a lot very quickly.

**baderic03** · #4 (**permalink**) 04-12-2012, 07:36 AM

A little shaft play is normal because these turbos use a thrust bearing not a ball bearing so it will have play when it isn't running but at start up with oil pressure it will tighten up.

desertdeer · #5 (**permalink**) 04-12-2012, 09:07 AM

i should clarify. a little up and down shaft play is normal. but in and out shaft play can get bad in a hurry.

**baderic03** · #6 (**permalink**) 04-12-2012, 09:10 AM

its a lil worn but i have seen a lot worse

superduty4x4 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-12-2012, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baderic03

A little shaft play is normal because these turbos use a thrust bearing not a ball bearing so it will have play when it isn't running but at start up with oil pressure it will tighten up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertdeer

i should clarify. a little up and down shaft play is normal. but in and out shaft play can get bad in a hurry.

I guess my post didn't show up on anyone's screen but mine? lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by superduty4x4

The ding isn't doing you any favors but all things considered its really not that bad.
These turbos use a journal bearing that rides on a film of oil, so when the truck is shut off some play in the bearing is completely normal (side to side play that is). The important thing is that it isn't so loose that the wheel can contact the housing. Also, ANY in and out play is a bad thing and means you should rebuild the turbo PDQ.
I can't remember on the OBS if the compressor housing cover can be removed with the turbo still installed... I believe it can but don't quote me on that. You'd also have to remove your down pipe and come up with a way to hold the turbine wheel so you can remove the compressor wheel if you decide to go that route. Some guys wrap a screwdriver in duct tape and jam it in the turbine wheel, but many have also messed up the turbine wheel that way. I've heard of guys using a gator grip socket to hold the turbine wheel but not sure if there is enough room to do it with the turbo still installed or not.