I recently put on my AFE filter and I can hear the turbo much more clearly now. The thing is it makes a different sound then i've heard before from the turbo. Its not a loud whistle like you would normally hear with a higher flow filter. It sounds kinda weird i don't even know how to explain it. If im on the throttle hard to spool the turbo and then let off to slow down you can hear the turbo spool down and then it kinda sounds like the turbo comes to a screaching stop, then you don't here it at all until I spool it back up. Is this normal? Not sure if this is related or not but If I nail the throttle in neutral just sitting parked I don't even really move the gauge at all, maybe 1psi if im lucky, can just barely see it lift. So if it is a bearing problem would there be play in the shaft? sorry its not a good explanation but im not really sure how to explain it thanks guys

 

The sound you hear may be turbo bark, which although normal, should be avoided when possible. you compare the sound to the turbo coming to a screeching halt, and that's not far from the truth. Basically, the turbo may be spinning close to 100,000 rpm under full load, then you snap your foot off the throttle and the turbo speed lowers very suddenly.

I'm assuming that's what your sound is, but it could be a failing turbo, or maybe a boost leak. With the engine off, pull off the intake hose, and grab the shaft nut on the front of the turbo. There may be slight radial movement (up and down), but not nearly enough for the compressor wheel blades to contact the housing. There should be no end-play (axial movement) on the shaft. The shaft should spin freely. Generally, if the shaft feels ok, and the blades look good, the turbo itself is fine.

Inspect all the intercooler boots for leaks and proper clamp torque. Check all the intake bolts for torque. It helps to be able to pressure test the intake and intercooler for leaks, but give it a good visual anyway.

Hope this helps.

 

I just when out and pulled the intake to check for play in the shaft. when I spin it, its not super smooth. theres just the tiniest amount of movement forward and back but theres a fair bit up and down but not enough where i can hear a sound that it hits the housing but if i hold it up and spin it, its not near as smooth and when i just spin it normal. I also can't see and marks on the housing if it did hit. what do you guys think?

 

It's normal to have some side to side movement on a used turbo but there should be NO front/back movement. It there is, the turbo is on it's way out.
It's only a matter of time before it fails on you and that can be catastrophic if it's at high boost when you have the failure....one other item...look closely at the inside of the compressor inlet...is there any sign of the pinwheel making contact with the housing inner wall??? if so you got a big headache coming....

pb....

 

I need more air anyways but I might be forced to get it before I wanna spend the money

 

You will not have boost without a load. You need to be driving to see any boost on the gauge.