I though I was done.. but I guess not.

So, after running some higher rpms on the highway I noticed my turbo sounded different. There is a little more moan than there has been when it starts to spool. I would pin point the noise around 3,000ish rpms, and 3,500 rpms. The boost is dead center. If I go passed that it goes fairly quiet, and seems to boost normally.

I am not getting smoke, and boost seems normal.. though I am scared to push it. I will say it is noticeably louder than before, but only in that range.. then it shuts up, and acts as I am used to it.

Seeing as most of the maintenance on this car was overlooked before I bought it, I am willing to bet that they did not care to much about turbo shock.. or proper oil changes. Or vacuum routing for that matter.

I am convinced I am seeing the very first signs of a turbo on the way out.

So, should I drive it till it's dead, then simply rebuild it?
Or, am I just overreacting for something that may have a more simplistic solution?

Thanks for your time!

-Jeff

 

Have you checked for shaft play and to see how easily it spins? Thats where you want to start.

 

No, I have not. How would I go about that? I am assuming pull thwee intercooler hose, and jiggle said shaft?