Nissan D40. replacement turbo.

[Don 130]

Our daughters '07 D40 Navarra needs a replacement turbo according to the mechanic she takes it to. She lives in Wagga Wagga, so I haven't had a chance to see whats wrong. She says the turbo screams when she accelerates hard. The mechanic said to me in a brief chat, that when he took the intercooler hose off the turbo to investigate the trouble, he saw 'things rubbing together' At the time I didn't quiz him as to what exactly was rubbing together as he hadn't finished his investigation. The ute has only done 109,000 km. Now, Can turbos be repaired? and if the turbo does need to be replaced, What's the best way of getting one without breaking the bank. is aftermarket or secondhand ok, or should we only go genuine? I'll be getting a second opinion, but I'm getting worried about the potential cost. I appreciate any light anyone can shed on this. I realise the details are somewhat sketchy so far.
Don

[rick130]

You can get a new cartridge for it (CHRA, centre hub rotating assembly) and slot it into the old housings.

Much, much cheaper than a complete, new turbo.

Have a look on ebay, I bought a new CHRA for the neighbours MHI TD-04 in his Tryrtoo from OS a couple of years ago for hundreds and hundreds cheaper than a second hand one here.

[Don 130]

Thanks Rick, That suggestion might be just what I'm after.I intend to try and find out more about exactly what is wrong with it before 'doing' anything.
Don.

[Sprint]

the ZD engines are getting a bit of a reputation for destroying turbos around here.....

[Don 130]

I've looked up some web forums and yes, there seems to be a bit of grief with these things.
Don.

[Sprint]

wouldnt be suprised if things were "rubbing together"....local mechanic has 4-5 in his scrap metal skip, the worst has the best part of 5mm movement off centre at the tip of the compressor wheel, thank god the intercooler stopped most of the crap before it munched an engine as well

[Don 130]

I spoke to a bloke from a turbo supply/repair business about the turbo. he said the screaming could be compressed gas or air escaping from a crack or split, and that a scream doesn't necessarily mean turbo although the rubbing thing could have it binned. He needs to see it. As for a new CHRA as suggested by Rick, because it's a VNT it isn't repairable and none are. The manufacturers collectively have decided that only they have the capacity to work on these complicated things, and therefore they're not serviceable, and no parts are available for any VNT. It'll be going there for a looksee when it gets back to Wagga.
Don.

[Dougal]

D40 engines are yd25, not the zd30 that people love to rag on. You may have luck with a UK turbo re builder. I got a recon vnt built to my specs there.

[Don 130]

Thanks Dougal, My other daughter also has a navara and it's a ZD30 (D22). We've had it since very near new. It's done 330,000 km and towed 1.5-2 tonnes
most of it's life. Apart from regular services it's only had a clutch. As for the D40, I'll wait till it comes back to town and gets looked at again.
Don.

[rick130]

Don, further to Dougals post try Turbo Technics in the UK, they are the company that supplies BAS and IRB with the Landy VNT's.

[Dougal]

I got my VNT from a guy in the UK calling himself TDI Turbos. He's a small operation but service and prices were excellent. I had him build me a hybrid to my own specs from a used core he sourced. He was happy to do that and share all the information I needed.
Of course I have yet to install and run the turbo he sent me.:angel:

While Garrett etc don't want you rebuilding their turbos, Mellet in the UK are producing all the parts for independents to rebuild with. My VNT had a new stronger shaft fitted from Mellet, I'm not sure if the compressor wheel was a new Mellet or garrett part.
The D40 is a big seller in the UK and similar spec to here.

Regarding the ZD30, I'd happily run one, but I'd fit an EGT gauge. IMO all the melt-downs are at least one sensor having a bad day and overfuelling the engine. An EGT gauge will show this happening, back off the pedal and continue until you can check the sensors out.

[Don 130]

Thanks Rick, I'll seek out a website later, rushing now.
Don.