How Can You Tell When A Turbo Is On Its Last Legs?

[Psymon]

Is there any tell tale signs that indicate a turbo is on its way out?

The reason i ask is my 32 has its original turbo on it and just lately i've noticed it becoming quite loud. Seems to be spooling a lot louder.

Am i on the right track here? Or could it be something different? Maybe i'm just looking for an excuse to buy a new turbo!!

[BazaR33]

Have you recently changed the stock air box to a pod?

[xr8eater]

it cry's out for new shoes ha ha ha

check the shaft play any more than 3-4 mm its on its way or a few blades on the zorst side are missing thats always a good sign

[Psymon]

Nah still using the stock airbox with a high flow filter and a CAI. I thought the spool noise might be the bearings shitting themselves or something like that??

[paulr33]

signs of oil on the intake piping and throttle body connecting area will show signs of the oil seal on its way out

[ImportAutoParts]

yeh usually either oil coming out exhaust or through intercooler piping can meen seals are goin....but another common sign is the turbo changing noises.....

can make more spooling noises or grinding noise....its generally uncomon....but if you suspect any problems get a torch and look down the intake of the turbo...and move the blades around and make sure they arnt rubbing against the side of the compressor housing...do this WHEN THE CAR IS COLD....as ive seen too many people get burnt hands from doin it after boosting...lol