7.3 Turbo Howling

[jake7995]

I had excessive axial end play on my original turbo, so I replaced it with a used turbo that has ~25k miles on it. After replacing the turbo I can hear a howling noise. At idle it isn't very apparent, but it increases as the RPMs increase and decreases as they decrease. Before I put the turbo on, I removed the compressor housing and checked the bearing clearances. I had 0.030" radial movement at the end of the compressor wheel and 0.002" axial movement. Both end play measurements were within spec. Has anybody experienced similar problems with a turbo that doesn't have excessive end play? If so, any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Jake

[jake7995]

Here is a video of the sound.

Powerstroke Turbo Howl - YouTube

Powerstroke Turbo Howl - YouTube

I listened to the bearing housing with a stethoscope and I can hear a slight howling. I do hear a howling at the compressor housing and at the y pipe. I forgot to mention also that I have an ATS ported housing. Any thoughts?

[ttyR2]

So it doesn't sound like turbo whistle, but actual bearing howl? If so, pull that thing down and figure out what's up before it eats itself. Does it spin ok by hand with slight drag from the seals but no metal-to-metal type feeling?

[jake7995]

I was trying to convince myself it was something else, but I pulled it apart last night to check it out. It spun fine by hand and the end play was within spec, but the rotating bearing assembly was touching off on the compressor back plate. Here are some pictures in this video.

7.3l GT38 Turbo Bearing - YouTube

7.3l GT38 Turbo Bearing - YouTube

[Johnny1]

How did you fix this?

[jesilvas]

Last Activity: 01-21-2013 11:04 AM
Join Date: 04-14-2011
Thread is from 2011, probably not a good chance of resolution.
If it was a stock turbo, most likely just rebuilt it.