An exhaust gas turbocharger helps the engine to produce more power and improves fuel economy. Numerous manufacturers therefore use a turbocharger in their models. However, this also provides the car with another component that can break down. The question that often arises in the workshop is whether to repair or replace the turbocharger. In our guide, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each and how to replace the turbocharger.

How the turbocharger works in the car

Many cars are equipped with an exhaust gas turbocharger. This component feeds fresh air to the engine at a certain boost pressure. This leads to a higher output with the same displacement. In modern engines, the turbo reduces fuel consumption.

Charger is driven by the exhaust gas

The turbocharger is driven by the engine’s exhaust gas flow and has a turbine wheel for this purpose. The turbine is rigidly connected to a compressor wheel inside the turbo, which compresses the air before combustion and feeds it to the engine.

Turbocharger repair or replacement?

Defective turbochargers are usually replaced completely. However, it is also possible to repair the turbocharger. When turbocharger damage occurs, car owners are often faced with a difficult decision. Turbocharger repair or replacement of the entire component? Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. If you are undecided, you should ask the workshop for an estimate of the cost of repairing or replacing the turbocharger.

Repair of the turbo by a professional

Checking and repairing turbochargers requires specialist knowledge and experience. Very few car mechanics therefore want to carry out the repair of the turbocharger themselves. Some specialist companies, on the other hand, have specialised in the repair of turbos. They have all the necessary machines for testing and the necessary know-how. Thus, the specialists carry out an overhaul of the turbocharger with components of high quality.

Replacing the turbocharger

Many workshops favour replacing the turbo with a new component. In some cases, this approach can save high costs. This is because the complete repair, including removal and turbocharger installation, can be carried out in just one day. New turbochargers from the original manufacturer or spare parts of high quality can be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Symptoms of a defect in the turbocharger

If the turbocharger is defective, various signs may indicate the fault. These include a noticeable drop in engine performance or unusual noises from the turbocharger. Smoke from the exhaust or high oil consumption can also occur. In some cases, the vehicle goes into emergency mode if the turbocharger is defective.

The symptoms at a glance

• Engine performance has noticeably decreased
• Boost pressure drops sharply
• Smoke from the exhaust
• Noise from the turbocharger
• Vehicle jumps into the emergency programme
• Oil consumption is rising steadily

Have the turbocharger checked and repaired at an early stage

As soon as the first signs indicate that the turbocharger could be defective, the problem should be checked more closely. If the symptoms are ignored, major damage to the turbo can quickly occur. In many cases, repair is then expensive or no longer possible. Driving with a defective turbocharger can also cause engine damage.

Causes for defects on the turbocharger

If the turbocharger is defective, there are various possible causes. High mileage causes a certain amount of wear on the turbo, and a sporty driving style also causes the turbocharger to wear out more quickly. Often the turbo is broken because it was not sufficiently lubricated due to a lack of oil or because the wrong oil was filled in. In addition, foreign bodies in the intake tract can damage the compressor wheel.

Overview of common causes

• Turbocharger wear
• Turbo damage due to sporty driving style
• Lack of oil on the turbo
• Oil type was filled in incorrectly
• Foreign body in the intake tract

Changing the turbocharger

If the turbo causes problems, the turbocharger repair should not be put on the back burner. Removal of the turbocharger is indispensable. It is irrelevant whether a turbocharger replacement is planned or whether the turbo is to be sent for repair. Experienced and skilled hobby mechanics often carry out the removal and installation of the turbocharger themselves in order to save costs for the workshop.

Turbocharger change duration

How long it takes to change the turbocharger depends on various factors. Depending on the engine and the respective vehicle model, the work can take more or less time. If you want to change the turbocharger yourself, you should always allow enough time. If you want to have the turbocharger installed, you can contact various workshops in advance to estimate the time and costs involved.

Turbocharger change instruction

Depending on the vehicle model, a specific approach may be necessary to change the turbocharger. In some cases, the turbo is better removed from above, in others from below the engine compartment.

The all-important question is: Where is the turbocharger located? Depending on the model, the turbocharger may be hidden in the engine compartment. In this case, numerous other components have to be removed in order to change the turbocharger.

Changing the turbocharger in 5 steps

1. Prepare for removal: Before the actual removal of the turbocharger can begin, the procedure must be prepared. In many cases, this involves dismantling all the trim parts in the engine compartment as well as numerous components, such as parts of the exhaust system. As a rule, the oil and, in the case of turbochargers with water cooling, the water must also be drained.
2. Remove the turbocharger: In the second step, the defective turbocharger can be removed. To do this, all connections on the turbocharger must be loosened and the connected lines removed. Then the turbocharger itself is detached from its fastening points.
3. Remove the turbo: Once all lines and screws of the turbocharger have been loosened, it can usually be removed from the engine compartment without any problems. Any leaking operating fluids such as oil or coolant must be collected and disposed of accordingly. The turbocharger can then be visually inspected and, if necessary, sent for repair.
4. Prepare for installation: Before installing a new or repaired turbocharger, it is essential to clarify the cause of the defect in the old turbocharger. Only when this has been eliminated can the installation begin. Before the intact turbocharger can be installed, it must often be fitted with the necessary attachments.
5. Install the turbo: Before installation, the turbocharger is briefly visually inspected. However, new turbochargers from current production of the manufacturer or from a reliable source are usually in perfect condition. In addition, the connecting lines in the engine compartment should be checked and cleaned or replaced if necessary. Finally, the turbocharger is installed in reverse order.

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