Turbocharger serves to increase engine output. This is especially true if the car has a certain displacement. This happens because the air is supplied into the cylinder, which is pre-compressed in the compressor. When more air is fed into the cylinder, respectively, the more fuel is supplied. When it burns, it releases more energy. Thus, the main function of the turbocharger is air injection into the engine cylinders under pressure. Turbocharger construction is not complex. Centrifugal compressor, gas turbine and wheels are rigidly attached to the common shaft.

Exhaust gases enter the chamber of the gas turbine through the outlet pipe. After they are directed to the turbine wheel blades and rotate them together with the shaft. Gazes get into the atmosphere through the exhaust pipe. As for the wheel which is fixed to the shaft, it sucks air from the atmosphere through an air cleaner. Air is pumped into the engine cylinders under excessive pressure on the inlet pipe that increases their filling. If the turbine and compressor wheels are even slightly unbalanced because of the high speed, this can cause severe vibration. To avoid this, a bronze bearing acts like a shaft support.

Also, do not forget about the role of oil, which is pumped through a special slit-band filter to the bush. The oil goes into the inner chamber to perform its primary function - lubrication of the wear surface of the shaft. After that, the oil passes through the outer bush groove in the gap between the bush and the body, forming an oil cushion. It serves to damp vibration that occurs when the shaft is moving. To control oil pressure, which goes to the turbocharger, in the average body a connection is installed.

If the turbocharger or any other car part, like fuel level sensor or starter, fails, before driving to the workshop order a new part. To save you time and money, visit our online store and purchase the part you need.

What you need to know about turbocharger replacement: lifetime limits, common defects and their signs, tips and recommendations

The turbocharger has no specified service life. Quality of motor oil used has an influence upon the component service life as in case concerning the gear-driven supercharger which is used on sport cars mostly. Common defects of the turbocharger are mechanical and thermal damages, corrosion and abrasive wear.

Necessity to perform turbocharger diagnostics is determined by engine power lowering and noise during its operation, car dynamic performance worsening, and increased fuel and motor oil consumption. Moreover, exhaust gases are coloured black, blue or white.

Service station specialists can check serviceability of the turbocharger. Diagnostics can require turbocharger removal or can be performed on the car as well. In case if there is compressor wheels free play, deformation or other damages of engine boost elements, or oil leakage, then the component is to be replaced. Condition of the pressure relief valve, vacuum valve, EGR valve, and the power-driven control of compressor geometry are estimated. If there are no external damages, then inspection on a special stand is performed.

Replacement of the petrol or diesel engine turbocharger, as well as the other engine maintenance works, is performed at a service station. The procedure includes motor oil drain, demounting of oil supply and return lines, air pipes of intake and exhaust systems, and the intercooler. It is recommended to replace motor oil, oil and air filters after installation of a new turbocharger, including power-driven supercharger.