Turbo whine at 10psi.

[bartels903]

Well tonight, I'm driving down the freeway, needed to change lanes so I hit the gas and got up to about 12-13 psi and all of a sudden the turbo cuts on me. I try to give it a little more gas after coasting for a minutes or two, and it will spool to about 10 psi and then start to whine. It's not an insane loud whine, kind of cool sounding but scary. I checked over everything, I checked for shaft play a week ago and there was none. I can't figure it out. (I also did a boost leak test then, only leak was the BOV gasket). Anyone know what could be wrong?

 

[1993TalonTsiAWD]

Just because you did a boost leak a week ago doesn't mean there isn't one now. Try it again, it could have happen that night on the free way. Also check the turbo, and look for any trace of oil. Check shaft play again to. Don't hit boost anymore until fixed, because it's VERY hard on your turbo if theres a big boost leak. If you need more info just ask...I know all to well

Derek

 

[MrBoxx]

It's my theory (and as yet it's untested, so emphasis on the "theory" part) that turbo shaft/bearing/seal failure worsens exponentially. A little imbalance creates more wear, which opens up the bearings/seals, which creates more imbalance, which creates more wear, etc. etc., ad infinitum. If this proves to be true, then any small problems could become large problems fairly quickly.

As advised, check for shaft play again. Actually look into the inlet and see if you can see evidence that the fins might be hitting/rubbing the compressor housing. Any bent fins or pieces missing from them is bad. If you need to, take off the O2 sensor housing and see if the turbine wheel is hitting the turbine housing or if that side has play in it.

 

[Joesmoke]

It's my theory (and as yet it's untested, so emphasis on the "theory" part) that turbo shaft/bearing/seal failure worsens exponentially. A little imbalance creates more wear, which opens up the bearings/seals, which creates more imbalance, which creates more wear, etc. etc., ad infinitum. If this proves to be true, then any small problems could become large problems fairly quickly.

As advised, check for shaft play again. Actually look into the inlet and see if you can see evidence that the fins might be hitting/rubbing the compressor housing. Any bent fins or pieces missing from them is bad. If you need to, take off the O2 sensor housing and see if the turbine wheel is hitting the turbine housing or if that side has play in it.

I just went through something similiar. Turbo would whine like a siren under any load, including vacuum conditions. No load (turbo hardly spinning), no whine.

I was sure it was funny boost leak, but couldnt find it. Did some research, and found that with turbos, you can bend a shaft, have no shaft play and seals are fine. I pulled the inlet off and there was a faint line around the impeller where it was rubbing on the housing. There is no visual shaft play, and no oil coming from the seals.

So yes, boost leaks first, then inspect for mechanical damge at the turbo.

 

[bartels903]

So today, I redo my boost leak test, take a look for shaft play and possibly 02 sensor housing off. Sounds good, I will come back with results in about 4 hours.