psychocandy

Hello All,

I have a 97 A4, 1.8T and the Turbo is not generating any boost whatsoever. There is a "chattering" noise coming from the passenger side of the engine, almost like the sound a ltw flywheel. This car feels more like a 100hp car than one with 150+

Anyway, I have a few questions:

1.) How easy is it (mechanically) to replace a turbo on this car. Are there any special tools req'd? Are there any parts to this process that are especially troublesome? I am not terribly technically inclined myself, but I do have access to some people very skilled in working on BMW's that have volunteered to help me out.

2.) Where is the best place to find a re-built turbo. I am not into paying $700 from the stealership. Since the 1.8t engine is so popular and used on multiple vehicle applications, I wouldn't guess that it would be too difficult to find a reasonable priced re-built turbo.

Thanks for any advice and/or recommendations. It is much appreciated.

EDness

try to email this guy...looks like he's selling his...<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/performance/msgs/67470.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/performance/msgs/67470.phtml</a</li></ul>

sightpost

Replace the diverter valve if you havent already because im sure the diverter valve is shot regardless of the condition of the turbo.
Otherwise that sounds like a wastegate issue and ya you have to replace the turbo. Look in the classified section of this website. I recomend a buying a new one not a used one.

psychocandy

Thanks for the quick advice guys, I will indeed replace the diverter valve first (thanks sightpost). I also e-mailed the guy with the used turbo per EDness's advice.

This car has 115k miles and I may sell after this is fixed and look for a newer model with less miles.

I wish they made an A6 with a manual transmission 97-99. I could really use the extra space.

sightpost

the bolts that hold the turbo on to the cat are going to break when you remove them. If you replace the turbo I would buy this kit from ECS. You are going to want to replace all of plumbing attachments, gaskets and bolts and this kit has everything you need for $30.
Your going to need to put the car up on stands or a lift.<ul><li><a href="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?make=Audi&amp;engine=1.8T&amp;mod el=B5%20A4&amp;submodel=Quattro&amp;category=Engin e&amp;subcategory=Turbo">Look at the last product listed</a></li></ul>

Audi juice

turbo timed for 90% of its lifespan so still in good shape. It has 80k on it and still pulled hard the day i swapped it out.

psychocandy

Thanks, ordered the kit. It was closer to $50 with shipping. I have located a couple K-03 Turbo's on ebay, plus Audi Juice has mentioned that his is for sale.

Is any K-03 Turbo a direct replacement (perfect fitment) for an A4? For example, there are units on eBay that came off of VW Jetta's and Beetles. How can I ensure proper OEM fitment vs my stock unit?

socaliA4

did it myself, no prior experience. it works great now! no special tools. pretty straight forward. the most difficult part is getting the bolts off underneath the turbo, esp. the oil return line. It has two small hex bolts and one is under the turbo brace. So try to get this on before you get the turbo secured in when you are putting the new one back in.

I got mine for $180 from someone who upgraded to K04.

Good luck!

psychocandy

Thanks!!!

This is exactly what I was looking for. I am now confident that I can make this happen without a trip to the stealership.

Thanks also for the technical tip, I am sure this will save some time.