Damn 9-5 LPT turbos broke! recondition or replace??

[alfa daley]

hello Saab people,

Sadly my 9-5's turbo went yesterday. I pulled out of a junction sharply and seconds later I was treated to the sound of an old washing machine spinning on rusty bearing, it sounded a bit similar to putting your ear to a sea shell or boiling a kettle. Today the Saab main dealer confirmed the worst: it was the turbo and if they replaced it i would be looking at nearly £900 with 500 of that being for the turbo. Obviously on a 128k mile 9-5 worth about a grand that doesn't sound like a sound investment.

So, what are my options? I understand the turbo is a Garret T17 but I couldn't see any on ebay. Can these units be reconditioned? Where could i buy second hand from? It's a 2nd car for me so can be off the road as I have a go myself. I imagine it can't be too hard to refit a turbo...

Shame as it a really nice car and i will miss those heated seats while it's off the road

[DavidY]

Mine was done by http://www.turborepairs.com/parts.html, it cost £250 is is still going strong 30k miles later. A new gasket set, oil and fitting shouldn't be much more than £200 at an independent Saab specialist, but if you have damaged the impellor which it sounds as if you might have done by the noises you describe, you will effectively need a new unit, looking at around £450 + the fitting, also you will need to get the intercooler flushed if the impellor has broken up.

Several people supply the turbochrager inc Turbo Technics, Turbo Active. If you're feeling lucky you could get one from a breakers yard.

If you like the car and want to keep it, then it's worth doing even though the car isn't worth much, mine went at 189k miles and the car is now just coming up to 219k 14 months later.

davidy