What are the common failures of turbochargers?
2 Answers
Turbocharger failures: 1. Foreign object ingestion failure in turbocharger: The compressor side is damaged by foreign objects, possibly due to poor intake pipe sealing allowing unfiltered air to enter the compressor wheel, or failure to replace air filters as required or using inferior filter elements; 2. Radial damage failure by foreign objects: Damage to components within diesel engine cylinders or foreign objects entering the exhaust manifold during maintenance - any foreign object can disrupt the dynamic balance of the turbocharger rotor, eventually leading to rotor seizure or shaft fracture; 3. Contaminated lubricating oil failure in turbocharger: The engine uses non-compliant lubricating oil filters or inferior filter elements, with the filter element being punctured during operation or the engine's main oil passage filter becoming blocked.
I previously drove a turbocharged car that developed issues after several years of use. The most common problem was insufficient oil supply leading to blade wear. Turbochargers require ample oil for lubrication and cooling—poor oil quality or infrequent changes can cause rapid blade wear or seizure. Another major issue is bearing damage, especially during frequent hard acceleration, where overheating can lead to failure and impaired rotation. Unusual noises and vibrations are also warning signs, such as a 'squealing' sound or engine shuddering, indicating potential seal leaks or blade imbalance. Insufficient boost is another headache, causing reduced power, sluggish acceleration, or even black smoke emissions. Long-term neglect can burn out the turbo, resulting in costly repairs. That’s why I remind owners to regularly check oil levels and change intervals, while staying alert to unusual sounds—this significantly reduces risks.
