Swapping compressor wheels

[motox-010]

I have a 16G with shaft play. But the compressor wheel is in good condition.
I know a kid with a 16G with minimal shaft play but the compressor wheel is kinda chewed up. Can I take the compressor housing off of mine and replace the compressor wheel on the turbo with the good one without having to re-balance it?

 

[Dewayne Waldron]

As long as they are the same size you will be good.

 

[JusMX141]

Depends on if either turbo has been balanced as a rotating assembly or not. Some are, some aren't.

If there are any balance grinds on the compressor locknut of either turbo, you should probably get the rotating assembly rebalanced, especially on a smaller turbo like a 16G which operates at over 100k RPMs.

If the nuts do have balance grinds (signaling that the turbo has been balanced as a rotating assembly) and you're in a pinch without the time to wait and get the parts balanced, assemble the turbo using the locknut from the corresponding compressor wheel, and be sure to mark the alignment of the nut in relation to the wheel itself then assemble it on the new turbine making sure the compressor locknut and compressor wheel alignment marks are spot-on. Following this method, the turbo should be within a reasonable balance tolerance.

 

[ricktb]

I made the mistake of taking my 16g apart and then putting back together without marking the alignment of the compressor wheel locknut to the spindle, and messed it up bad. remember to torque the locknut to spec also! and do not force the spindle into the journal bearing assembly, be gentle.