I currently am replacing the turbo charger on a 34,000 mile 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD extended cab, long bed.


I am replacing this under warranty at my dealership. The customer complained of black smoke, lack of power and a whirling noise. The impeller blades are scaping the inside of the turbo= it's junk. The oil feedline is suppling plenty of oil?


I am having problems getting the 12 bolts out of the turbo (very tight). Basically what I am asking is what is the best way to do a turbo R&R and how many of these have we seen fail?


Thanks for your time...


6660LB7

I have replaced on on lly and the first time I ever replace a head I followed the SI and it stated to nemove the turbo. To find out it does not need removed, only raised up.....So I fought the bolt all day with a smaller 12mm wrench about all that will fit between the firewall and the turbo. its a pain...I found a snap on swivel head 3/8 dr wratchet with bent or curved handle
I inverted the retchet head(reversed it) put a small 12mm 12pt on it and it angles right into position and has enough leverage to snap those buggers lose. onec the torqus is relaesed you can spin them out with your finger.snap on pt number #FHBF936A about $90.......
good luck

of its just the veins hitting the intake housing, just replace the front half, done that before and its much easier then fighting the sucker.

If the viens are hitting what's the cause? bearings? If so, doesn't the shaft go through the whole turbo?

Hoot, shaft and cartrige is only in the front half, the spool is in the exhaust housing, but all comes out the front. If the exhaust housing aint damaged..leave it in

Great tip, Dmaxallitech. I've done 4 and always swapped out the whole unit. What a B*TCH!!!!!!!!!!! Whoever tightened those 12mm head 12pt bolts on the exhaust side is one bad effer. Those things are TIGHT! One guy told me he took the whole damn engine out to change out a turbo.

I would take the trans out to change the turbo...will give you lots of room .

Thanks for all the great input guys. Is turbo failure really this common?

Or do like they do with the Ford's.... raise the body http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif Edited by: hoot

The easiest way I have found to loosen the rear bolts is to soak overnight with 3 in 1 oil. Use a hammer and a short box wrench on the turbo exhaust bolts. Get the wrench in a spot you can hit it with the hammer. Most times one good pop with the hammer and they come loose. The six that hold the up pipes in place................... well let's just say its not a friendly conversation.