Ball Bearing Turbo

[donZ]

how can you tell if a turbo is ball bearing or not ?

 

[azgn]

oh, you would know......just spin the comp wheel...or listen to it after you shut the motor down (it keeps rotating.....)

 

[Royal-T-Ltd]

I think if its a turbonetics ball bearing [this may apply to others] if you look up through bottom of center section [where oil return line goes to] there should be a small hole.

 

[smokin'6]

Originally posted by azgn
oh, you would know......just spin the comp wheel...or listen to it after you shut the motor down (it keeps rotating.....)

Mine keeps rotating after I shut it off, as far as spinning the comp wheel, it spins for 2-3 seconds. Would an non BB just stop when you spin it? Also mine has started to sound like an old police siren sometimes when I drive it, under load only when it makes the sound, is it needing a rebuild?

 

[azgn]

if the wheel turns more than 1 or two times when you spin it and it is still running when you stop, it is a BB

 

[progress1vebmx]

Mine keeps rotating after I shut it off, as far as spinning the comp wheel, it spins for 2-3 seconds. Would an non BB just stop when you spin it? Also mine has started to sound like an old police siren sometimes when I drive it, under load only when it makes the sound, is it needing a rebuild?

Mine is starting to do that =/.

 

[tyrod]

Originally posted by progress1vebmx
Mine is starting to do that =/.

Wonder why none of the vendors are offering explanations? I have read this before with no explanations.

 

[smokin'6]

as joyous as I am to realize I have a BB turbo, the fact that its wailing like a siren concerns me, others are having the same effect, so does that mean rebuild or ??/

 

[azgn]

is it smoking?

if the noise has changed recently, dunno what to tell ya

 

[smokin'6]

No smoke, just sounds like a cops movie from the 40's... woooooooooo

 

[Headcutta]

Yes it time to get it rebuilt. If you check for shaft play you will see that the sound that you hear is the wheel rubbing on the housing.

 

[JCotton]

Tyrod,

Easy answer to your question........ I would have answered, cept the answer was already given. Look inside the oil drain hole, if you see a small hole in the inner housing, it is a BB turbo. Trying to determine whether you need a rebuild by describing sounds is not the way to do it. You have to check the wheels and in and out play physically and visually. Spinning the wheels to determine what kind of turbo it is, is not the answer.
hope that helps,

 

[TurboBob]

A split connection hose after the turbo can cause a hooting sound (or a loose hose clamp)

The power steering pump can make quite a racket sometimes too.....

Bob

 

[tyrod]

Originally posted by JCotton
Tyrod,

Easy answer to your question........ I would have answered, cept the answer was already given. Look inside the oil drain hole, if you see a small hole in the inner housing, it is a BB turbo. Trying to determine whether you need a rebuild by describing sounds is not the way to do it. You have to check the wheels and in and out play physically and visually. Spinning the wheels to determine what kind of turbo it is, is not the answer.
hope that helps,

JCotton, Thanks for offering your expertise on these questions. Royal Ltd wasnt positive he was right on the id issue. I am concerned myself with these guys apparently having some issues with the bbs. Its definately up to the individual to properly maintain there rides, but if there are design issues that compromise durability I hope its addressed before i invest in one. If they are short lived by nature, I cant afford it. THanks again.

 

[Royal-T-Ltd]

Like Turbo Bob said about the "wooing - hooting - police siren sound" Check your hoses to the up pipe and throttle body. Usually the cause for that is a improperly secured hose. Long time ago i had to rig two hoses together with duct tape until my reducer hose came and when you got on the throttle the noise you described was audible.

I agree with Jack - spinning compressor wheels is not the way to find out if you have a B/B turbo or not.

 

[JCotton]

I can assure you there are no "issues" that need to be addressed, these BB's are as durable or more durable than any other turbo on the market. I hear of turbo failures everyday on these boards about other non BB turbos, maybe they need to address their issues......

 

[tyrod]

Originally posted by JCotton
I can assure you there are no "issues" that need to be addressed, these BB's are as durable or more durable than any other turbo on the market. I hear of turbo failures everyday on these boards about other non BB turbos, maybe they need to address their issues......

That is what i was hoping you would say. I couldnt figure how they would have a weak area, internally especially. I wont mind spending a little extra bling knowing I am gettin state-of-the-art tech.