13/04/2026
⚠️ Turbo Failure at 60,000 Miles – Preventable? ⚠️
Last week we carried out a turbocharger replacement on a Renault Trafic fitted with the Renault 1.6 dCi R9M engine.
This van had covered less than 60,000 miles…
Far too early for a turbocharger to fail ❌
🔍 The issue:
Like many we see, it started with a slight whining noise from the turbo.
➡️ This is the early warning sign
➡️ Bearings begin to wear
➡️ Shaft develops play
➡️ Eventually… complete failure
On this vehicle, the turbocharger shaft had snapped, meaning:
❌ Zero boost
❌ Severe loss of power
❌ Vehicle effectively unusable
🛠️ Work carried out:
This isn’t a quick job, access is tight on these vans 👇
• Subframe removal for access
• DPF removal
• Replacement OE-quality turbocharger
• Intercooler system flushed through
• Oil feed & return pipes checked and cleared
• Fresh engine oil & filter (Castrol 5W-30 C4 low SAPs)
• Full road test carried out
All completed on the customer’s driveway, keeping their work van on the road with minimal disruption 👌
⚠️ Why do we see this so often?
It comes back to one thing… servicing intervals.
Manufacturer guidance:
➡️ 24,000 miles / 2 years
Our recommendation:
✅ 10,000 miles or yearly – whichever comes first
Because oil quality is EVERYTHING for turbo longevity.
💡 The reality:
Dirty or degraded oil =
❌ Poor lubrication
❌ Increased bearing wear
❌ Turbo failure
And once that noise starts… it’s already on borrowed time.
✅ The takeaway:
Regular servicing isn’t just maintenance, it’s protection.
A simple oil change costs a fraction of:
➡️ Turbo replacement
➡️ Labour-intensive strip down
➡️ Vehicle downtime
Another van saved ✔️
Another customer back on the road ✔️
BAR Motorworx Limited
Mobile Service & Repair Across Kent
• Fully insured & VAT registered
• Home or workplace appointments
• Servicing that protects your manufacturer warranty
• Servicing • Brakes • Clutches • Timing •
📍 Covering all of Kent
📞 07799 803 429
📧 [email protected]
Raising the BAR 💛