Replacement turbo being fitted!

[stuartsjg]

Hi Folks,

Over the last few months i had noticed a sort of squeak type noise from the engine. It would normally happen in a high gear if i was accelerating, say up a hill at low rpm.

As the revs passed between 1500 and 2100 rpm, i would hear the noise.

When it was in for its service i asked them to look at it, thankfully the mechanic heard it too but didn't have time to investigate.

Car went in to Specialist Cars Seat in Aberdeen yesterday morning, they called me back saying it needs a new turbo as there is an "internal fault" within my current one.

Ill try and get more details of the fault and pass that on here.

They are ordering a replacement and i should have the car back on Friday. All under warranty thankfully!

Car is 18 months old, around 21k miles just now. Its the only problem ive had, as as far as im aware, it didn't affect the car. Ill see what its like with the new turbo, perhaps it was making a difference i didn't notice.

Stuart

 

[majesty78]

Actually the GT1749VC which is used on your engine is quite solid.

A squeeling noise very often comes from a bad Intercoolerhose/pipng connection which is a more common issue on those engines.

They use a kind of "clip" to hold the parts together, and as most of those connections are made of plastic they wear out quickly and start to let boost pass to the outside, while making a squeeling noise.

Another possibility is the header gasket blowing through a little, especially when boost builds up in lower rpm regions and the vnt mechanism is closed, there is higher backpressure in the manifold which can possibly let a weak gasket blow exhaust gases to outside.

If you had a broken turbo, such as a nick in the compressor or turbine wheel, this would cause a steady whistling noise which is simultanious changing its frequency with turbo speed (load).

If they change your turbo, let them give you your old turbo back under every circumstance (It is yours, although they might tell you it is a "swap" part....VNT turbos are NEVER a swap part!!!) and take a good look at it or bring it to a turbo shop to re-check.

Greets, Alex

 

[stuartsjg]

Hi,

I wouldnt say it was an air escaping noise. It sounded more like a slipping belt, but a much more muted/subdued sound. I always had an idea it was to do with the turbo given the RPM range it came in.

After 1900to2100 rpm the noise stopped, or it stopped when you lifted off the throttle but maintained rpm.

I had thought it was the vane or waste gate actuator making the sound. It didnt sound like bearings or anything spinning.

Interested to hear what they say about it.

I'm guessing they wouldn't just change a turbo "incase" that's the problem due to the cost of the part and labour.

I would have thought that as the part was under warranty and being replaced at Seat's cost, then the faulty part would be theirs too. Perhaps too as its a PCP/lease contact, then technically its the finance companies faulty part?

Ill ask for it anyway

Stuart

 

[stuartsjg]

Got my car back yesterday.

All is fine, i went out for a run and was unable to make the car produce the squeaking noise.

I asked the dealer for more info on the fault however they didn't have any more. The software said the turbo needed to be replaced so they replaced it. Thats about it! They don't even open it up for a look as they "...are not allowed to..."

They did say that there was nothing i could have done which caused it, it was a faulty part.

At least i have another 18 months warranty if it happens again!

Stuart

 

[majesty78]

Did you get your 'broken' turbo?

Btw, the diagnosis software never says something like: 'Turbo has to be replaced'

I'd give it a good chance that you've been fooled....

 

[stuartsjg]

I didn't get it back, but nor did i expect to.

I've not really been fooled, not sure how you think that(?).

They fitted a new part, i can see its new as its shiny with no rust or dirt on it, the noise that i wanted fixed has been fixed, i got a week of mileage and tank of fuel from their courtesy car which didn't cost me anything.

Total outlay of the repair actually has me in pocket as there was more fuel in my car (by about 1/4 tank) when i got it back and they had only drove it about 15 miles.

Add to that, the car is more responsive in the lower RPM range and the transition between 1500-2200 rpm is much more smooth and controlled.

If the turbo didnt need to be replaced then who ever foots the bill (Seat or the dealer?) is surely the fool?

Stuart

 

[Ant FR]

Did you get your 'broken' turbo?

Btw, the diagnosis software never says something like: 'Turbo has to be replaced'

I'd give it a good chance that you've been fooled....

no it does'nt and he did'nt mean that. he manes the results it came back with meant the delaer had to replace it.

Warranty work is now very much based on cost analysis and also service to the customer. There are certain things that they do now that sound like a huge fix for a small problem, but long term they stop extra work and money being racked up. For example it could take loads of time to fix this squeak that is probably a known fault now, and may have resulted in loads of subsequent visits tot he delaers, so SEAt take the decsison to simply repalce the turbo unit. They then keep the the old turbo, investigate it and then get the turbo reconditioned and its back in the supply chain. Overall it cost seat less and saves the dealer time. End of day customer is happy.

Theres no fooling

Dealers are now fast becoming fitters and not mechanics.

 

[Nath.]

Dealers are now fast becoming fitters and not mechanics.

Agree, they don't even have a "master tech" at every dealer these days. Master tech being one step up from spanner monkey

 

[robdf2]

Agree, they don't even have a "master tech" at every dealer these days. Master tech being one step up from spanner monkey

at 5k cost outlay you can see why they are as rare as hens teeth.