In recent years, turbochargers have become a common feature in the automotive industry, and they have provided several benefits to vehicles such as more power, better fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. No matter how well-designed a mechanical device is, however, the component will inevitably wear out after constant use. When a turbo starts to show wear, many auto owners will begin to notice signs of failure. This is where a process called turbo refurbishment can restore a turbocharger’s functionality. One of the best ways for owners of vehicles with turbochargers to keep them running as efficiently as possible is by investing in turbo refurbishment.
So, let’s view how the turbo rebuilt service going to work, what are the symptoms that are indicating your turbo need rebuilt, and what are the main advantages of this option.
What is Turbo Refurbishment?
Turbo refurbishment is a process of reconditioning a used or damaged turbo which is firstly disassembled, cleaned, dirt or worn parts are replaced and then reassembled and ready to be mounted as a new turbo. .
Although more expensive than a repair that uses a piece salvaged from another vehicle, this type of refurbishment reuses many of the original turbo’s parts, like the housing, and replaces only the components that have deteriorated at an accelerating pace with wear.
How the Turbo Refurbishment Process Works
The turbo refurbishment process generally follows these steps:
Initial Visual Inspection: At this stage of the preliminary examination, all the technicians do is look at the turbo; both visually and using various tools. They look for signs of wear, cracks and other abnormalities which could serve as proof that the turbo is not functioning properly.
DECONSTRUCTION: The turbo unit is dismantled into main parts. All parts are removed first and second bearings, shaft, compressor wheel, T3 housing, turbine, exhaust manifold, the inter-cooler and gasket.
Scrubbing: cleaned completely as carbon deposits, oil sediment, etc. are removed from each piece.
Component Replacement: any parts that are visibly worn or damaged (eg seals, bearings) are replaced with identical brand new oem quality components.
Reassembling and Balancing: After thoroughly cleaning, the parts which are damaged and tumbled are replaced by the corresponding ones. The turbo is then reassembled and balanced.
Testing: If the performance in both conditions is the same, the turbo will undergo a duty cycle test “….to make sure that it is operating at the utmost efficiency, is within specs and is ready for the customer.” 1) Duty Cycle Testing: The turbo is set up to run for the number of hours and miles that a customer would typically drive in a given vehicle. If the performance in both conditions is the same, the turbo will undergo a duty cycle test, or EDM test, to determine if the it is operating “within specs and is ready for the customer,” said Steve. 2) Stress Testing: If performance in both the original and remanufactured conditions is not the same, then it is time for stress testing – a high-temperature test followed by a cool-down period with a variety of parameters recorded.
Benefits of Turbo Refurbishment
- Cost-Effective
By reusing the parts that are in good conditions and replacing the worn components only, you can enjoy the bargain without the drop in performance. Turbo refurbishment costs about one-third of what a new turbocharger costs.
- Extended Turbo Life
If your turbo gets an overhaul it can last much longer and continue to provide you with more power and better efficiency from the engine. This is important to consider for enthusiasts with expensive high-powered cars where turbo replacement can go into the thousands of dollars.
- Reduced Environmental Impact
But a decision to refurbish instead of replace has a low environmental footprint too: re-using a fanned impeller box (the main body of a turbo), with its components kept within the refurbished machine, is an effective way of avoiding making new parts and, therefore, reducing manufacturing and disposal impacts.
- Restored Performance.
The refurbished unit starts your car like a new unit but performs almost as well as a new unit. After replacing the worn-out parts with new high-quality ones, the unit provides the same power, fuel efficiency and reliability
Conclusion
Turbo refurbishment is an effective, economical and ecological method to help owners restore their turbochargers back to an optimal condition, whether the turbocharger suffers from power loss, blows white or black smoke from the tailpipe, or makes unpleasant loud noises. For car owners looking for a way to maintain the performance of their engine, turbo refurbishment is a smart and trustworthy solution to help preserve their investment.
