How can i tell if my turbo is bad in my tdi?

Question

had the car fixed about a year ago and my buddy said that the turbo could be bad due to the loud noise if i find out it is bad how much does it cost to fix or get a new one and also it does have different power level when driving but i live in michigan and i think a lot of it is due to weather and the cold also before my buddy fixed it i took it to the vw dealership and they ran it through there computer had a print out and they never said anything about a bad turbo and drove it said there was nothing major wrong and my buddy only changed the belt and cleaned the engine oil build up

tdi = turbo diesel injected

Answer 1

Over time the bearings get free-play in them you can purchase a rebuild kit for your turbo or purchase a re-manufactured and even an upgraded turbo if it's available. Things to look for or to be concerned about are Boost Creep! ... Turbo Lag (this is when it seems like it takes to long for the turbo to spool-up) if you have low compression in one or more cylinder this could cause real power loss ...

The long and short turbo/supercharged vehicles require high maintenance such as a turbo timer if you run the vehicle hard you can just park and turn the key off this leaves hot oil in the turbo (NOT GOOD!) let it run for 5min then turn it off this is just an example that can cause damage.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

if you don't hear anything rattling (broken impeller), any leaks (apparently no one has found anything)....or you cannot build the right amount of pressure....or your wastegate is loose , bent or destroyed...you may have a problem.

do you put premium (or at least mid grade fuel) in your car? if not...that may also be another problem

good luck