Can I rebuild my own turbo without any problems? Anyone done it? I see there are kits out there and have rebuilt many, many things. Will I have balancing issues if I make sure and mark alignment? Are there any other issues to look out for?
Thanks

 

I don't believe a DIYer can do it without some sophisticated machines. Over the years I sent several turbos for rebuilding to Majestic Turbo in Waco TX.

 

There are places out there that can do rebuilds for you. This is what I would suggest if you don't want to purchase a new one. You could also purchase a new unit: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item0 and then have yours rebuilt and sell it. While you're doing the turbo, I'd recommend replacing your oil feed line, if it hasn't been replaced as the o-ring in it is a common failure point. We have info and a DIY on the line/turbo in our tech article here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Not a turbine rebuild but you can replace the CHRA (where the turbine is housed). Inspect everything to make sure a wastegate is not needed. Cost is about a third of a new turbo.

 

Thanks. I am not having any problems but at 85000 miles thought I'd get a jump on things.

What will happen if my turbo goes out on me?
Engine damage?

 

I wouldn't say it's all too common for this, but it depends on how the turbo fails. There is this way, from this NAM thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rbo-blown.html and other ways to the waste gate failing, turbo seals, etc. You could do a CHRA refresh/rebuild and call it a day, but I have seen the wastegate fail more than a few times on the R56 and when that fails the whole turbo has to be replaced - as it's a part of it. If you're truly concerned you could buy a new OEM one (as linked above) and then send your unit out to be rebuilt and sell it as a rebuilt/used unit. That way you have a new one on and aren't worried about any part of it failing.

 

If your turbo goes out, you just lose power.

And if you're that into rebuilding things before you need to, perhaps it's time to pull the engine and do a rebuild? Don't forget to do the same with the transmission and transaxle, too.

The point?

Take care of the turbo, run the correct oil, change it more often than necessary, and do all required maintenance. Don't start down the road of fixing things that are in good working order. That turbo should run well over 100K miles; in fact, there isn't a "worn out" mileage for a turbo.

 

In my experience with at least 4 different turbo-charged cars over the years, the initial problem is an oil leak that gets progressively worse; that was always the reason I chose to have mine rebuilt.

 

I know it's a bit different, but my last car was a 2008 Mazdaspeed3 with just over 186K miles on it. Turbo was just fine, it was cylinder #4's con rod that gave out and went through the block that's how I got my "new" 2010 MCS.