Turbo rebuild time?

[fiverpuller]

How does one know when it's time to rebuild a turbo? I figure the obvious signs are if they are seized or leaking. I have three turbos around here...two have a little play and spin very easy...the other one has no play but still rotates ok. None of them leak but I am a little worried about the play. I think on one if I push to the side enought the fins rub on the housing. But I have heard with oil pressure running through them they center right up with no problems.

Also...has anyone rebuilt their own and where do you get parts? It should just be bushings and seals. And as long as things are indexed it should all go back together the same as it came apart and still be balance right? I am lost.

 

[argve]

I was told by a shop that if you have axial movement your hosed and need to rebuilt but a little side to side is just fine.

 

[fiverpuller]

Define a little...there is no axial movement but side to side is about 1/16". Like I said...the fins rub if I push hard enough. I believe with axial movement they will start leaking.

 

[towcat]

if the fins are bumping into the housing, you are asking for trouble. bite the bullet and rebuild today or shell a turbo and let the engine have the fins for dinner.

 

[fiverpuller]

That one is not in a truck right now. Who rebuilds turbos anyway? Diesel shop...turbo shop...banks? I don't know of any places in town...I am sure they are there...I just don't know where.

 

[towcat]

I sent mime through www.directpart.com (shameless plug) there is a rebuilder who contracts through them. I got mime done for 450 or 550. I don't remember tonite

 

[argve]

No they should not rub the housing. Now as for 1/16"... Are you sure it's moving that far, reason I say is lateral movement can sometimes feel a lot more than it really is. I thought mine was flopping around pretty good and once I broke out the measuring devices (not a tape measure) I found out it was only moving about 20 thousandths. But it sure felt like to my finger as a whole lot more....

 

[fiverpuller]

I can get a brand new (nos) banks turbo minus exhaust and engine bracket for $500. Guess I should do that instead of spending the same cash for a rebuild.

You are right about play...it may only be 20 thou or slightly more.

 

[JPR]

$500 sounds cheap for a new one. I got my Banks rebuilt locally for $300 last summer.

Not sure on the diesel, but my gasser, if there is too much play you can hear it rub when you close the throttle under high boost (15-18#) during a gear change.