Turbo Whining Noise - Is It A Bad Sign?

[jonathan blane]

I am newly - one week ago - delivered of a 1991 2.4 Surf SRX [whatever that stands for].

In general it seems to go fine (not that I have gone all that far - just about 400kms on a tankful of diesel) except that when accelerating and esp. if going up a hill the Turbo makes a whining noise - which stops when I reach a flat bit of road.

Is it supposed to do this? I had the same model in Africa some years ago and I can't remember that phenomenon. When the whining noise is apparent the Turbo green light also comes on. When the noise stops the light goes off.

I know the noise is the Turbo because two garage mechanics said it was when listening to it - but they aren't sure whether it is something which needs attention.

I know the Surf is not meant to accelerate fast [and that's fine by me] but I have a general sense that this car is more sluggish than the one I had before. [Again that could be poor memory on my part maybe -- I just have v fond memories of the African Surf which never gave me any probs despite driving over much rougher 'roads' than it will be encountering here. ]

I was hoping to have same trouble free motoring again so I hope I've not been unlucky with this model. It has done just 86,000kms by the way, if that assists analysis of the problem.

[marky]

Well my Turbo Whistles on my 2.4 as do a lot of others.

[TonyN]

A whine is OK, some are louder than others, on a 2.4 the Turbo as up the top, but on the 3.0 is down the side of the block.

You can take the hose off and give the impeller a wiggle, if its loose you need new bearings.

[*Turandot*]

Noises that sound like whistling are okey. If the noise sounds more like a screech and it happens when the turbo is under heavy load it's probably the exhaust impeller blades touching the casing - that isnt good

[Walkingflyguy]

Turbo blues

Hi guys, well I have the same problem with my turbo Ie: - noisy, I have had a look at mine and there is a small amount of play, are the bearing something you can do yourself or is that a job for the experts.

I don’t know if its a coincidence or not but I have just done a complete head replacement and fitted new injectors!

[stara]

the 'bearing' is a floating type i.e. it is a shaft rotating in a housing with engine oil lubricating, (this is why you should let your engine idle before turning it off after a hard run, as the heat from the turbo housing can evaporate any residual oil whilst the turbo is still spinning) it doesn't use a 'ball bearing'.

excess whining, or whistling can indicate worn impeller blades, split hose/pipe or even a faulty wastegate

rebuilding is a specialist job due to the extremely tight tolerences and balancing needed.

[jonathan blane]

sorry

i don' t really undrstand the replies:

should I or should I not get something done to my Turbo ??

Best

[stara]

can you live with it, if so, do nothing, if not visit a turbo specialist for their opinion.

[Guest]

sorry

i don' t really undrstand the replies:

should I or should I not get something done to my Turbo ??

Best

As Stara says, if you are concerned then visit a Turbo specialist. However in my opinion leave it alone, it's working OK, the Turbo light comes on and off, then engine runs and doesn't smoke excessively.

If the Turbo ever goes, generally the car will still drive OK and it is very unlikely that a Turbo going will cause any other damage. Stick with it until it breaks of it's own accord which could be 100000 miles from now or never. It will cost the same to rebuild pretty much if you have it done now as it would if you leave it and it gets considerably worse.

Cheers

[kitesurf_phil]

Sometimes, if I don't have the radio on, I think there is a Police car behind me. I had quite a loud whistle until I replaced a split hose. I had a really loud whistle for the week that I endured a K&N filter. I loved the little extra performance but couldn't stand the induction noise so put it back to standard.The filter is on my nephews Vauxhall Nova now!! (Don't ask).