Question: In previous issues of CAR, it was mentioned that one of the main reasons for turbo failures was incorrect servicing. I own a 2006 Audi A4 2,0 TDI which, at 165 000 km, is outside its 100 000 km maintenance plan. I still take it to Audi to be serviced (because of the above statement). Is a turbo not a sealed unit and, if it is, which type of service or maintenance is required to ensure that it will last a long time?
HEINRICH DU PLESSIS, By email
Answer: The previous statements pointed to infrequent servicing and, more precisely, oil servicing. Turbo impellers spin at speeds of up to 200?000?r/min and their bearings rely heavily on the lubrication of the engine oil. If the vehicle is not regularly serviced, the oil will lose some of the lubrication properties, which may lead to turbo-bearing failure .
To answer your questions: Yes, it is not really a serviceable item and, service the vehicle regularly. Although not strictly necessary with modern turbos (see Turbos and stop/start on this page), we would be cautious and encourage our readers to idle the engine for a short period after it had worked hard before switching off.
