Common Misconceptions of a turbocharger

The turbocharger on any vehicle is a precisely machined piece of equipment that is designed to spin at very high speeds and move the exhaust to push more air into the combustion chamber to give a cleaner, more powerful burn. If a turbo has a fault introduced, it will cause it to fail suddenly. If the fault is not corrected, it will also make the replacement fail just as quickly.

Here are just a few misconceptions of failure caused by non turbo related issues.

• “The Turbo blew a seal”: There is a common misconception that smoke coming from the compression wheel, inlet, or exhaust side of the turbocharger indicates a blown seal. In reality, turbos use a piston ring-style seal to prevent oil from leaking out of the center housing. A blockage in the oil drainage system or the air filter can cause a pressure imbalance, which may lead to oil leakage into the housing. Additionally, restrictions on the turbo oil inlet line can also contribute to this issue.
• “The Shaft Nut fell off the turbo”: If the shaft nut has come off the turbo, it indicates a significant failure where the center shaft, which connects the two wheels, where the oil has not been properly lubricated. This shaft rests on a brass "wear" bearing that is lubricated by engine oil. Without adequate lubrication, the shaft will overheat and seize on the bearing, causing the shaft to stop spinning. At idle, the turbo shaft typically spins at speeds between 20,000 and 50,000 RPM, even at the lower end. When the center shaft seizes, the force is so great that the torque nut at the end of the shaft continues to rotate, eventually unwinding itself from the shaft due to the abrupt stop caused by the seizure.

Blown Seal

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Shaft Nut Location

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Using clean oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications is essential for turbo longevity. It’s crucial to replace both the oil and air filters every time you replace a turbo, regardless of when the last oil or filter change occurred. Maintaining a strict service schedule is key. When installing a new turbo, be sure to inspect the oil feed and return lines for any signs of damage, carbon buildup, or oil residue. If you're unsure about the condition of these components, it’s better to replace them. Remember, clean oil and clean air are vital for ensuring a long-lasting turbo.

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