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Whined up

I've contacted you before regarding my Astra estate (regarding a hand brake ratchet problem - now fixed) and I'm sorry to question you again but have a niggling question about the turbo. In 1st and 2nd gear whilst accelerating there is quite a whine coming from the engine - sounds a little like a quiet police siren - and I've been told it could be the bearings in the turbo beginning to wear. From reading some online forums it seems others have similar noises yet are less concerned about it. Should I be?

Asked on 25 July 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
Once a turbo's bearing wears then the turbo is shot. You can't simply
replace the bearings. Wait until it stars using oil via the turbo bearing oil seals. Then change pronto because the engine can then suck in oil from the crankcase and run on it, becoming impossible to stop other than by stalling or cutting off its air supply.
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