Opinion: DIY Turbo Rebuild?

[skibum_infdl]

My 2002 LPT is starting puff smoke at startup and I'l like to try my own turbo rebuild. Has anyone tried before with the GT17? East Coast has a GT17 kit for $125. Is it worth it?

[Kermit]

Not something i'd do personally, its a professional job rebuilding a turbo, having to worry about end float and whether its properly balanced would concern me.

[DriverEd]

dip has rebuilt a Garrett T25 - his illustrated guide is here

[Raven18940]

It is something I'd like to try personally, but i've got a reliable td04.

[i want an aero]

Originally Posted by Raven18940

It is something I'd like to try personally, but i've got a reliable td04.

if i was mad then i'd try it, but i'm not but buy a td-04 instead

[hunt.dogshome]

What's the problem? The balance shouldn't change if you mark the wheels before removing them. What's the spec on the endfloat - how would you adjust it anyway?

Not having done one I'm not completely sure. But lets say I'm sceptical about being sceptic of turbo repairs. There's only one moving part(apart from the wastegate) after-all.

I can see main bearing replacement needs care as does trepanation. But swopping 2 brass bushes and a couple thrust washers? Don't fink so

[robw]

I think the main concern is that the turbo spins at 40,000 rpm or sumfin and therefore, if not refurbed properly, could self destruct quite quickly, perhaps spewing bits of impeller into or through the intercooler, throttle body, who knows where? I wouldn't be comfortable doing it myself either.

[skibum_infdl]

Well, I'm going to try it. I've read through the posts and other DIY experiences and as long as I mark everything so it goes back on correctly it should be ok. I found one other DIY experience with the GT17 and he said it has lasted two years with no problems. At only 1/8th the cost it's worth a try.

Worst case, I'll use it as a core for a new one.

I'll let you know how it goes in about two weeks.

[Raven18940]

Originally Posted by skibum_infdl

Well, I'm going to try it. I've read through the posts and other DIY experiences and as long as I mark everything so it goes back on correctly it should be ok. I found one other DIY experience with the GT17 and he said it has lasted two years with no problems. At only 1/8th the cost it's worth a try.

Worst case, I'll use it as a core for a new one.

I'll let you know how it goes in about two weeks.

Exactly my logic, you have to buy a new one, what have you got to lose?

[keeganfox]

Originally Posted by skibum_infdl

Well, I'm going to try it. I've read through the posts and other DIY experiences and as long as I mark everything so it goes back on correctly it should be ok. I found one other DIY experience with the GT17 and he said it has lasted two years with no problems. At only 1/8th the cost it's worth a try.
Worst case, I'll use it as a core for a new one.
I'll let you know how it goes in about two weeks.

I am about to begin a rebuild on the same model turbo and wanted to see how it went for you. This will also be my first turbo work.

[MacNoob]

I would attempt the rebuild in a second, if I didn't intend to just swap in a TD04 when mine goes bad.