[RESOLVED] 270* vs. 360* Thrust Bearings

[DSMunknown]

I have recently been reading about center housing and rotating assemblies (CHRA) and was wondering if certain turbochargers could have their 270 degree thrust bearings "upgraded" to the better-performing 360 degree bearings. Here are a few tidbits of what I have read so far:

Most conventional journal bearing turbos use a 270-degree thrust-bearing washer, while many of the new breed of turbos employ 360-degree thrust bearings. The advantages of a 360-degree bearing include a full circle of lubrication, more orifices on the washer, and an updated pad strategy to better disperse oil where it's needed.

For everyone's reference, a 270 degree thrust bearing is on the left, and a 360 degree thrust bearing is on the right in the photo below:

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Mr. Warner also states that the "thrust bearing provides axial support and positioning of [the] shaft and wheels." He also notes that "the most common place for failure in a turbocharger CHRA is at the thrust bearing." So on to my question - is it feasible/conceivable/possible to upgrade the thrust bearings that a particular turbo comes with (assuming that the thrust bearing is a 270 degree bearing)? That is to say, it is a simple swap of the bearings to achieve this, or would it conflict with other turbo components that I'm not foreseeing?

I have looked through the archives, and have found only two threads that regard thrust bearings. Thread 1 and thread 2. Now John (DSM90AWD) has partially answered my question, however I have never come across such an option when browsing over potential turbochargers and the options provided.

I am particularly interested if the thrust bearing in an Evo III 16G can be "upgraded" to a 360 degree bearing.

 

[DSM90AWD]

Mitsu turbos have a 360* thrust bearing already

Forced Performance's 14B/16G rebuild Kit:

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Forced Performance does have a propriatary Mitsu "Monster Thrust Bearing" that comes std with their Red/Green model turbos. Might want to contact them if interested in having yours rebuilt with one (if that is your intention)

 

[BISHILVR]

^^^ Beat me to it. http://www.turbochargers.com/images/evo316g/bearing.jpg

 

[DSMunknown]

Mitsu turbos have a 360* thrust bearing already

Woohoo! (<---Kenny imitation)


That's good news. Thanks John for the heads-up.

Forced Performance does have a propriatary Mitsu "Monster Thrust Bearing" that comes std with their Red/Green model turbos. Might want to contact them if interested in having yours rebuilt with one (if that is your intention)

Actually, no rebuild is necessary at this time. I was simply wondering (and hoping) that certain turbos came with 360* bearings. It wouldn't have surprised me if the Mitsubishi turbos (other than the exotics) only came with 270* bearings. Just trying to cover all the angles when I do finally purchase a turbo.