Kevin Groat

As per title. Bit of a noise coming from that area (could be a loose sheild somewhere) and I wonder if the bearing is on its way out on the turbo. If it is on its way out, what model is it and where can I get a kit to rebuild - is there much involved? Technically it's not a problem (mech fitter) but do I need any special tools?

Kevin.

Andy McCord

STi 3 was fitted with a VF23, not sure about recon yourself though

Kevin Groat

Cheers Andy, anyone know about refurbishing?

Kevin.

john banks

If it is a bearing, unfortunately they are not usually economical to repair because of the price of the bearing. You are best sending it to a turbo specialist, or just getting another VF23 at the right money.... however, I spent a few months trying to get a straight VF23 and gave up.

Kevin Groat

What did you end up with John?

Kevin.

john banks

I had a TD04 hybrid, MD304 hybrid, TD05 front entry then a TD05/06 20G hybrid.

If you want to retain factory boost control you are probably best replacing with the same turbo, although something of similar size can be worked around - so you probably could fit a TD05, a few tweaks of the actuator either way (since they both have 0.5 bar actuators) and possible changes to restrictors should get it pretty near along with a knocklink/boost gauge to keep an eye on things (which are a good idea on an STi anyway).

john banks

Forgot to say, you could use a VF 24,28 or 29 and change the exhaust housing with the one on your VF23 (DIY job). That gives you a few more options to look for. The only thing of significance between these turbos is the exhaust housing.

Kevin Groat

Thanks John. Guess the best waty to check is whip off the downpipe and give it a spin - after making sure it's not a loose heat shield somewhere (downpipe one was decommissioned long ago..)

Kevin.

nom

Could you define the noise a little?
I'm not sure that I've heard a broken/breaking bearing, but I think it might have a fairly different noise to other bits & pieces (seeming they rotate at 100,000rpm+ & most other stuff shouldn't...)

Kevin Groat

I'll try....

Blipping throttle with head under bonnet. Noise is apparent as as engine revs drop, sort of like something 'running on' independent of engine revs but slowing down itself after revs have dropped. Sounds like a metallic rumbling sound - tried the old screwdriver on the turbo casing trick but too much background noise. Will check out the rest of the heatshields tonight.

Kevin.

greasemonkey

Don't try this when the engine is boiling hot!:

Blip the throttle a little bit then immediately turn the engine off. You should be able to clearly hear the turbo spinning down, and whether it's the droids, sorry, noise, you're looking for.

If you can hear the turbo spinning down, but not hear "your" noise, it's elsewhere...

Kevin Groat

Aha,

Twas a heat shield. Part of the original turbo heatshield - think it was just a bracket for the heatshield. Next time I get under the bonnet with my spanners I'll decommssion this bit as well. Thanks for the help though and time for an oil change - given the price of VF23's and the lack of refurbishing bits I'd better be safe than sorry.

Kevin.