Rebuilding the 14b

[DaveDSM]

My 168k 14b has started to leak oil into my lower intercooler piping, and puts out dull white smoke. I've been told that this means the turbo seal is on it's way out. The turbo still holds boost, and isn't exhibiting any performance decrease, and there isn't any significant shaft play yet. I found a 14b rebuild kit on ebay for ~100 bucks, and have the 1990 service manual for the car. Under the turbo rebuild, I don't see it listing any balancing when rebuilding the turbo. Is this necessary, and would it be o.k. to rebuild the turbo without spin-balancing it, considering the service manual doesn't seem to include this step in the rebuild process?
I read the VFAQ and he recommends it, but if I could safely cut costs, it would be great.

Could I rebuild the turbo without the balancing?

 

[Groomz]

Originally posted by DaveDSM

Could I rebuild the turbo without the balancing?

Big negative on that one. The turbo at full boost spins about 100,000RPMs, so without balancing, all that rebuilding would go to waste really fast. Do the rebuild and get it balanced.

 

[DaveDSM]

Originally posted by Groomz
Big negative on that one. The turbo at full boost spins about 100,000RPMs, so without balancing, all that rebuilding would go to waste really fast. Do the rebuild and get it balanced.

ahaha, ok...but it would be fun to watch!