Change Car Turbo
The turbocharger compresses the intake air to increase the engine's power and reduce its fuel consumption. Fitted to almost every modern engine, it is a high-technology component whose failure can damage the engine if it is not dealt with quickly.
How does a turbo work?
A turbocharger has two turbines connected by a shaft: the exhaust gases spin the first, which drives the second to compress the intake air. At full chat, some turbos spin at 300,000 rpm. The compressed air improves cylinder filling and so the specific power output.
How do you know if the turbo is failing?
The main symptoms are a drop in power (the most common sign), blue or black smoke from the exhaust, oil leaks or abnormal whistling. In the event of failure, debris can damage the engine and cause a major oil leak.
The five main causes of failure
A turbo never fails without a reason. Identifying the cause before replacing is essential:
Poor lubrication
- The most common cause
- Near-instant damage
- Keep to the oil-change intervals
Contaminated oil
- Oil laden with soot or water
- Rapid wear at high speed
- Change the oil at the specified intervals
Foreign objects
- Dust or grit drawn into the intake
- A sound air filter is essential protection
Replacing the turbo
Difficulty 5/5
A very complex job: the turbo is connected to both the intake and the exhaust, with access often very tight. Around 20 dismantling and reassembly steps.
Find the cause first
You must check the EGR valve, the injectors, the intake system and the oil quality before replacing: otherwise the new turbo will meet the same fate.
Preventive care
A turbo cleaner (£20 to £70) used regularly removes carbon build-up and extends the life. Given the cost of replacement, it is a worthwhile investment.
Price
The part costs £200 to £1,600 depending on the model. Average garage price: around £1,400, plus roughly 5 hours of labour.
