How does a turbocharger work?
A turbocharger is a small air pump driven by your car’s exhaust. Its job is to push more air into the engine so it can burn more fuel, giving extra power and better efficiency from a smaller engine.
Here’s how it works:
- Hot exhaust gas spins a turbine wheel.
- That turbine is connected by a shaft to a compressor wheel on the air intake side.
- As the compressor spins, it sucks in and squeezes fresh air before it enters the engine.
- Squeezed (or you could call it boosted) air gets hot, so it usually passes through an intercooler to cool it down, cooler air is denser, so you get more punch.
- A wastegate (or variable vanes on some diesels) controls how much exhaust drives the turbine, keeping boost at safe levels.
What causes turbocharger underboost?
Turbo underboost means the turbo isn’t making the pressure the car expects, so you get sluggish acceleration, maybe a check-engine/limp mode, and sometimes a hiss/whistle from the engine bay. This could be caused by leaks - split/loose hoses, a cracked intercooler, or even a bad MAP/MAF sensor reporting the wrong airflow/pressure, so the ECU limits boost.
How to fix turbo underboost?
It will most likely need a diagnostic. In most cases the issue is a leak in the pipework or intercooler (split hose, loose clamp), a sticking control part (wastegate/actuator), or a dodgy sensor telling the car the wrong readings. Sometimes it’s a blocked filter/exhaust or an EGR r a DPF problem holding the engine back. Only if those are ruled out should you suspect a worn turbo. If you hear a loud siren-like whine, see heavy smoke, or the car loses power badly, stop driving and arrange recovery.
Once you book a diagnostic inspection and the mechanic performs a smoke test for boost leaks, inspects the hoses, they will be able to advise what’s the best way to move forward in terms of fixing the underboot issue.
Where is the turbocharger located?
In most front-wheel-drive cars (engine sideways), the turbo is usually at the back of the engine, near the bulkhead, bolted to the exhaust manifold. You often can’t see much from above, look for a metal heat shield and a “snail-shaped” housing low down. In real wheel drive cars, typically low on one side of the engine where the exhaust manifold leaves the head.
Can a mobile mechanic carry out a turbocharger repair or replacement?
Yes, inspection and many fixes related to the turbocharger can be done by a mobile mechanic. A mobile mechanic can usually diagnose turbo faults on your drive. They can also handle common on-site repairs like replacing split boost hoses, a cracked intercooler, faulty sensors or vacuum lines. For a full replacement, however, it might require a garage as it may be better suited depending on the make and model of the car. With ClickMechanic, we offer free collection and delivery to the garage if the vehicle is drivable.
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Frequently asked questions about turbocharger repair & replacements
Read our answers to questions about turbocharger repair costs, symptoms and more.
What does a turbocharger do?
A turbocharger is a helps to push more air into the engine to significantly boost engine performance. The system is powered by the exhaust gases coming from the engine which drive a turbine in the turbo to push more air into the engine. It helps to achieve a more efficient combustion, with normally more power for only a small increase in fuel consumption.
What does a turbocharger replacement involve?
A mechanic will come to assess the situation around the turbocharger. They will then remove and replace the old turbocharger as requested. The engine will be checked and the car taken will be taken for a test drive where required, with any adjustments being made after that.
Can I do a turbocharger replacement myself?
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a turbocharger replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.
How do I know if my Turbo needs replacing?
Faulty turbochargers are not easily identified, the most obvious signs will be less power and a decreased fuel efficiency, emissions may also be worse. This will cost you a lot of money in the long term, as the car will be using more fuel, so it's important you get a qualified mechanic to repair it.
How long will a turbocharger replacement take?
On average a turbocharger replacement will usually take around 3 hours, but can take anywhere from 2 to over 4 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a range of factors. For example, your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.
How often should I replace a turbocharger?
As a vital component of many vehicles, it shouldn't need to be replaced for the lifetime of the vehicle. This doesn't mean it always lasts, but you shouldn't expect this part of your vehicle to need replacing. Only undertake this repair if your vehicle has been diagnosed with this issue by a professional mechanic.
Can you drive with a broken turbo?
Driving the vehicle with a broken turbo may lead to further complications and damage to engine. If you suspect there is any issue with your vehicle's turbocharger or there are concerns about its age or condition, book with a professional mechanic with immediate effect to get it checked and replaced if necessary.
What happens if my turbo breaks?
If your turbo breaks in your car, your engine will lose power and your car will go into "limp mode." This means that your car will only be able to go a very slow speed until you get it fixed.
Is a faulty turbocharger an MOT failure?
It is likely that a faulty turbocharger will lead to an MOT failure as it can result in excessive exhaust smoke, power loss and an illuminated check engine light.
How much does it cost to replace a turbo?
On average a turbocharger repair costs around £900. Typical prices for can range anywhere from £700 to £1400. The cost ultimately depends on your location, vehicle and what parts the manufacturer recommends for the work. Find out what you could save by having your turbocharger replaced by ClickMechanic, by selecting your vehicle at the top of the page.
Check out the ClickMechanic price for a turbocharger repair. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Turbocharger (TC) oil feed pipe, Turbocharger (TC) oil return pipe, Turbocharger (TC), Engine oil filter, Engine oil, Turbocharger (TC) pipe connection - exhaust manifold, Turbocharger (TC) pipe connection - air intake and/or Turbocharger (TC) pipe connection - intercooler.
| Name | Average Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | £1020 | Get exact price |
| BMW | £1250 | Get exact price |
| Citroen | £732 | Get exact price |
| Ford | £851 | Get exact price |
| Land Rover | £1428 | Get exact price |
| Mercedes-Benz | £1533 | Get exact price |
| Nissan | £972 | Get exact price |
| Peugeot | £801 | Get exact price |
| Renault | £829 | Get exact price |
| Toyota | £2390 | Get exact price |
| Vauxhall | £924 | Get exact price |
| Volkswagen | £865 | Get exact price |
Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a turbocharger repair, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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Mechanics that undertake turbocharger work
- Active Tyres Ltd, Chesham
- CORNERWAYS GARAGE, Bedforshire
- Chill Automotive, Swindon
- KMG Car Repairs & Service, Hampshire
- Lexden Vehicle Services, Colchester
- M.A.R Services And Maintenance Ltd, Folkestone
- Motorfix, Blyth
- S C Autocare, New Milton
- Sawmoco Ltd, Sawston
- Timing Chain Gatwick, Smallfield
- Vmax Engineering Ltd, Surrey