Your turbocharger is valuable for your vehicle's performance, so you should perform regular maintenance. Understanding what can damage your vehicle’s turbo can help you avoid them. Read on to learn what could damage your turbo and leave it in poor condition.
A Worn Bearing
The bearings allow the compressor and turbine wheels to spin, so they require a lot of care. If these components are worn down, the rest of the turbo will suffer. The radial and axial bearings require oil to ensure the shaft between the wheels moves smoothly.
The shaft will degrade, as the bearings don't have the necessary lubrication to move side-to-side or in an axial movement. Scratches will occur as the turbo performs, which can lead to further problems in your vehicle.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects are detrimental to any vehicle. A small foreign object can damage your turbocharger, especially if it enters the turbine or compressor wheel. Even the smallest pebble in the wheel housings can bounce around the interior and damage it.
The scratches may create particulates that pass into other areas, such as the wastegate or your vehicle’s combustion chamber. Whether it's dirt, dust, or scraps of a leaf, a foreign object can wreak havoc in your turbo.
Carbon Deposits From Oil
Oil is essential for any turbocharger, but the carbon in the oil can build up and develop deposits. The presence of carbon deposits in oil causes the lubrication to become ineffective, and the lubricated parts eventually lose mobility and damage themselves while moving. Various chemical agents will clear up the deposits and assist in turbo lubrication.
An Unnecessary Surge
Sometimes, the turbo supplies unnecessary boosts. When an engine doesn't need a boost, it becomes backpressure that flows over the compressor wheel. This excess force causes the compressor wheel to spin intensely and put stress on the shaft and bearings, leading to damage.
Problems With Overheating
Although turbos typically heat up to extreme temperatures, the component can overheat. The exhaust gas may transfer heat to the turbine wheel and surrounding metal parts. Additionally, the turbine's housing could crack, and the wastegate could sustain damage from the pressure caused by heat. Clogged pipes or a damaged catalytic converter may result from an overheating turbo. Regular maintenance can help you prevent problems related to an overheating turbocharger.
Understanding your turbo and what could damage it is essential to avoid costly repairs. If you need Borgwarner turbo parts or repairs for your current turbo, look into our services at TurboTurbos for the best options.