Turbo becoming noisy.

[XL5man]

Hi everyone. My fifteen year old E320 CDi is now running very well. However, in the last month, I can hear a noticeable whistling noise on acceleration which I assume is from the turbo. The fuel consumption is normal and the car accelerates perfectly. The whistling sound is not noticeable for the first mile or so when the car is driven from cold. It doesn't seem to have got any worse in the last month.

Is this a sign of impending turbo failure, or likely to be a slowly developing turbo problem which I can live with? Could it be due to a leak?

Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Larkone]

Check for leaks, best way is to get a smoke test done. I had to remove the turbo outlet pipe on mine recently to replace a fuel line and the green rubber seal came out in two pieces. Replaced the seal and whilst the engine appeared to be running well it is now even quieter and has a definite improvement in response.

 

[Doug1234]

Check the air filter trunking and see if any loose connections anywhere.
My w210 e300td had a pronounced whistle when the engine breather pipe came adrift from inlet trunking to turbo.

 

[matthew k]

In my experience turbo failure is often characterized buy a distinctive howl on the overrun.

 

[LostKiwi]

Also check exhaust manifold gaskets. They can whistle loudly if leaking.

 

[XL5man]

Thank you for the replies. Much appreciated. I will check for leaks, the sound has not changed and the car is driving perfectly. I don't think the turbo is about to fail, hopefully it's just a leak somewhere.

 

[ajlsl600]

as above, if accessible you could remove turbo pipe and see if there is any lift in the spindle that may give you a better idea , as if there is much wear the impeller can rub a bit on casing esp if there is any rust /corrosion on the exhaust side of impellor casing and create a little noise ,but most likely just a leak ..and the first places to look.