Servicing Turbos
Power loss, a whistle or smoke? We find out why the turbo failed before we replace anything, then give you a written price with the options side by side.
A failing turbo usually gives warning. Nearly every modern diesel and a growing share of petrol engines have one.
Turbos rarely die of old age alone. They are killed by oil starvation (blocked feed pipes, long service intervals, the wrong oil), oil contamination, a blocked DPF raising exhaust back pressure, or debris entering the intake. Fit a new turbo without fixing the cause and it fails the same way.
How a turbo works, in two minutes. Video by Garrett, who make a big share of the world’s turbos.
Depending on the engine we can quote the options below. We lay out the price difference and the warranty on each so you can choose with the facts.
Parts come with a 12 month manufacturer warranty (varies by part).
Gently and briefly at most. If it fails hard it can dump oil into the engine or send debris through the intake, turning a turbo bill into an engine bill. Limp mode is the car protecting itself. Listen to it.
Most often oil starvation or contamination, a blocked DPF, or ingested debris. Finding out is part of the job here, otherwise the new turbo inherits the same death sentence.
A quality recon unit with a proper warranty can be excellent value. A cheap unbranded recon is a gamble. We quote both, with the warranty terms side by side.
It ranges widely by engine and by new versus recon, which is why diagnosis comes first, then an exact written quote with the options side by side.
GT Automotive Group, Unit 3, 1 Orgreave Way, Sheffield S13 9LS. Prices include VAT unless stated.