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Change Car Turbo

Very technical 4h00–11h00 ~400–1100£
Estimated time 4h00–11h00
Estimated labour cost ~400–1100£
Difficulty Very technical
Vehicles
Primastar 2002-2016 15
  • 1.6 dCi Diesel (R9M-408 (A4))
  • 1.9 dCi 100 Diesel (F9Q-760 (U7))
  • 1.9 dCi 80 Diesel (F9Q-762 (U7))
  • 2.0 CDTi 16V 115 Diesel (M9R-786 (M7))
  • 2.0 CDTi 16V 115 DPF Diesel (M9R-630 (A6))
  • 2.0 CDTi 16V 90 Diesel (M9R-786 (M7))
  • 2.0 CDTi 16V 90 DPF Diesel (M9R-630 (A6))
  • 2.0 CDTi Diesel (M9R-692 (F6))
  • 2.0 CDTi Diesel (M9R-692 (F6))
  • 2.0 dCi 16V 115 Diesel (M9R-780 (E7))
  • 2.0 dCi 16V 115 Diesel (M9R-782 (L7))
  • 2.0 dCi 16V 90 Diesel (M9R-780 (E7))
  • 2.0 dCi 16V 90 Diesel (M9R-782 (L7))
  • 2.5 dCi 135 Diesel (G9U-730 (B7))
  • 2.5 dCi 16V 150 FAP Diesel (G9U-630 (B6))
Renew the turbocharger Without diesel particulate filter 9h00
Renew the turbocharger With diesel particulate filter 14h00

What is the role of the Nissan Primastar turbo?

The turbocharger increases engine power by compressing the intake air, allowing more air (and therefore more fuel) into the combustion chambers. It is driven by exhaust gases spinning a turbine at speeds up to 250,000 rpm. The compressed intake air passes through an intercooler to reduce its temperature before entering the engine.

What are the symptoms of a failing Nissan Primastar turbo?

Common symptoms include: loss of engine power or boost, excessive exhaust smoke (blue/white for oil burning, black for over-fuelling), whining or whistling noise from the turbo area, engine warning light or turbo fault codes, oil leaks at the turbo housing, increased oil consumption.

What causes Nissan Primastar turbo failure?

The main causes are: oil starvation (blocked or restricted oil feed lines, low oil level, poor oil quality), foreign object ingestion, excessive exhaust temperature, worn bearings due to high mileage, and contaminated oil. Always investigate and fix the root cause before fitting a replacement turbo.

Can a Nissan Primastar turbo be reconditioned?

Yes, turbo reconditioning is a common and cost-effective alternative to buying new. A reputable service will disassemble, inspect, replace worn parts, rebalance, and test the unit. Expect to pay 30–60% of the new price.

Is it difficult to change a Nissan Primastar turbo?

Difficulty level 5/5: very technical. The turbo is connected to both the intake and exhaust systems, requiring numerous disassembly steps. Approximately 5 hours on average for a professional mechanic. Key precautions after fitting: change the engine oil and filter, prime the turbo with oil before starting, allow the turbo to cool down after hard driving by idling for 30 seconds before switching off.

2 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
Primastar 2002-2016 2002-2016 1.6 dCi Diesel (R9M-408 (A4)), 1.9 dCi 100 Diesel (F9Q-760 (U7)), 1.9 dCi 80 Diesel (F9Q-762 (U7)), 2.0 16V 120 Petrol (F4R-820 (H8)), 2.0 16V Petrol (F4R-720 (L7)), 2.0 CDTi 16V 115 Diesel (M9R-786 (M7)), 2.0 CDTi 16V 115 DPF Diesel (M9R-630 (A6)), 2.0 CDTi 16V 90 Diesel (M9R-7… Diesel, Petrol
Primastar 2019-2025 2019-2025 2.0 dCi 110 Diesel (M9R-712 (Z7)), 2.0 dCi 130 Diesel (M9R-712 (Z7)), 2.0 dCi 150 Diesel (M9R-712 (Z7)), 2.0 dCi 170 Diesel (M9R-712 (Z7)) Diesel