DSMunknown
15+ Year Contributor
- 4,109
- 39
- Sep 16, 2004
-
Worcester,
Massachusetts
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:
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:
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.
Mark Warner said: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.