How Long Does a Turbo Last?

[Cobstar]

Hi Guys

I'm very new to this performance car game. Given I've got an 8 year old car, how long is a turbo expected to last? Are there signs that a replacement is necessary - or do you look to replace them like cambelts after a fixed time period or a certain mileage?

[Bushy]

My understanding is they should last as the engine does, however if abused the life will shorten

I believe tell tale signs are oil burning problems, however for my particular car, so assume other Audi's as weel, the way they rebreath air means oil fumes can be sent out the exhaust so they do use oil naturally

[PhilT]

I think that they should probably be looked at at about 100,000 - 120,000 miles.

[toasty]

I always think of turbos as being consumables to a certain extent.

A bit like brakes in as much as the more you ask of them, the sooner they'll need replacing. Turbo timers or religiously letting your car idle for a while after giving it a good thrashing (which lets face it is why we buy S/RS Audis) should prolong their life as well as letting the engine oil get up to temp before giving it some.

-Dan

[Jani]

2 more issues that determine life expectancy of a turbo, boost pressure (org or chipped) and very importantly air filter. Using K&N (and not cleaning it often enough) will destroy turbo wings.

First signs are oil puffs when starting cold, this is not serious if it is light. It is due to small leak from seal. Serious damage means oil consumption, noisy compressor, low boost etc.

Anyways a turbo can be reconditioned (new bearings, seals etc), this will not cost as much as a brand new one. 100k miles could start to get critical with original turbo, if chipped.

[Joshie]

Using K&N (and not cleaning it often enough) will destroy turbo wings.

Interestingly AmD threw away my K&N replacing it with a standard paper filter. Negligible difference to BHP output and less risky for the engine. Anyone running K&N with a strong view about this? [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[PhilT]

Using K&N (and not cleaning it often enough) will destroy turbo wings.

Interestingly AmD threw away my K&N replacing it with a standard paper filter. Negligible difference to BHP output and less risky for the engine. Anyone running K&N with a strong view about this? [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

There was an Audi Techincal announcement to it's dealers stating that K&N filters could be linked to the MAF failures. I have been running a K&N for around 40k miles and had no problems.

IMHO, the K&N is fine as long as you take care not to over oil it. Basically, RTFM!!

I also hear that there is now a different type of MAF being fitted... Not exactly sure on the details, but it uses a different method to monitor the air flow.

[s2driver]

My S2 is up to 130,000 miles and still no turbo problems. Spool up and booost sustaining are normal with not a sight of smoke from the tailpipes. I have also run a K&N for the last 20,000+ but I clean it regularly.

Although I do not run the same boost as an RS2 the revs and loads my (smaller) turbo sees are comparable. The amount of play in my transmission suggests my car has had a very hard life (not just in my hands [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] )but the turbo is still going very strong.

I will be replacing the turbo later this year. This is not due to turbo life but because there will be a monster hybrid going in instead.

[johneroberts]

On a standard car 100,000 miles if its been chipped 70,000 i would expect.
jr

[rs4steve]

life of a turbo dependent on boost pressures oil changes and the way you drive your car if dont get the engine up to normal operating temp can effect turbo life as in giving it a good thrash then not letting it cool properly, a turbo could last 1000 miles or 150,000 miles all depends on the owner your choice. [img]images/graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[Cobstar]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Currently one careful lady owner - honest. Couldn't comment on previous owners - but it's pretty likely that her potential has been explored to the full, certainly in her earlier days.