Turbo check: 8 easy steps
- Hear the sounds the engine makes when it’s cold.If the turbine hums during operation, the bearings are probably worn. A metallic squeak made by the impeller blades when they touch the turbine casing indicates the same damage.
- Check for oil deposits on the turbocharger housing.If you find these near the turbine wheel, your turbocharger is most likely not working properly. However, if oil stains are found at the connection to the exhaust manifold or in the air supply line, then there could be something wrong with the engine or the crankcase ventilation.
- Check the color of the exhaust gases.When the turbocharger wears out, the oil seeps into the intake manifold with the air and then burns in the engine’s combustion chambers. This usually turns the exhaust gases black.
- Scan the system with a suitable device.For fault diagnosis you need an adapter, the appropriate software and a laptop or smartphone. All measurements are carried out with the engine idling. You can find more detailed information on this diagnostic method in the user manual for your diagnostic adapter.
- Remove the turbocharger from your car and check the shaft for free play.Grasp the end of the shaft and try to rock it side to side The component should not have more than 1 mm free play. The shaft must not touch the housing when it rotates.
- Check the turbocharger impeller blades and walls.The impeller blades should have sharp and smooth edges with no burrs, abrasion marks or nicks.The walls should show no signs of contact with the impeller blades.</li >
- Check that the actuator and sensors are working properly.There should be no dents on the actuator body and no corrosion on the top of the actuator rod. Check that the diaphragm is still intact. Move the actuator rod to its up position, plug the opening with your finger and then release release. The wand should not move when the opening is closed. As soon as you remove your finger from the opening, the wand should return to its original position. Check the electrical part of the actuator with a multimeter.</li >
- If you have a variable geometry turbocharger, check that the nozzle ring is not stuck.The guide vanes should move freely. Check the unit with an air compressor and a pressure gauge. If the nozzle ring is intact, the actuator will move freely at a pressure of approx. 0.6-0.7 bar.</li >
