Turbo Noise When Cold

[MJWenrich]

First... being a novice on this site, I posted a turbo question in the wrong area. I did receive one feedback (thank you) but thought I might get more input/ideas if posted here. I have a 2004. 5 completely stock engine with 91K miles. When the engine is cold, I get what sounds to me like a loud turbo whine/howl. It goes away after warming up but I can still hear a slight whine on acceleration. That might be rear end noise but it is a similar noise. One suggestion was that the turbo impeller may be hitting the side of the turbo but I would think that would be an all the time noise. Still, I will check for play on the impeller. Any other suggestions or ideas? It seems some of these stock turbos last very well and others have problems.



Is there another component to check? Like the torque converter?

 

[RCatalo]

Hello, If you think theres a turbo failing then please remove the air intake tube and inspect the turbo for fins hitting housing, the turbo will not run long if the fins from wheel are hitting the housing, when checking the turbo you will feel some up and down play, this is normal as long as its a little, what you need to check is end play, pull and push on the turbo shaft if you can really shift it alot then the end play is too much, the end play will allow the fins from the compressor wheel to make contact with the housing.

The exhaust side or turbine side is a bit harder to check as it involves removing the exhaust pipe from the turbo, ether way if end play is excessive ether turbine or compressor wheel will be hitting the relative housings.

You mentioned about the rear end possible making the whine noise, Try holding your foot on the brake pedal hard while the truck is in gear, slowly push down on the throttle pedal, this will spool the turbo up, if the turbo is bad you will hear it making noise,by doing this test you eliminate the rear as a possible problem, and limit the componets to the engine, torq, trans, and accessories like ps pump etc.

no noise while holding the truck in gear under load then i think you have a drive line issue.



Hope this helps , regards Rich