[Turkish Mafia]

Recently, my turbos have developed a siren noise at low RPMS (2000-3000 rpm). I hear it mostly in 2nd gear. It's more pronounced with a cold engine, but still audible when the engine warms up.

I don't hear it beyond 3000 rpm or in other gears.

I have been doing lots of research regarding this issue and have read every thread. However, there was has not been any consensus on this issue yet.

Anyone have any more information regarding if this turbo siren noise is normal or sign of failing turbos?

Also, I'd like to add that I had my turbos replaced under warranty 1 year ago. I'm FBO (except inlets), PTF tuned 93 octane.

See below for a youtube link of the turbo siren noise, recorded by "Lambobimmer."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2kqJCzO4Ms

Thanks all.

[bigdaddyaaron]

in for this answer. Mine makes the same noise, but it's been doing it since i installed down pipes about 2 weeks ago. I thought it was normal.

[Turkish Mafia]

Originally Posted by bigdaddyaaron

in for this answer. Mine makes the same noise, but it's been doing it since i installed down pipes about 2 weeks ago. I thought it was normal.

Out of curiosity, how many miles on your turbos? Replaced under warranty at all?

Thanks.

[stanlalee]

Its hard to say. slight leak and slightly worn turbo bearings sound just about the same. I am leaning towards not being turbo bearings because: a) too many people complain of this b) mileage is very low for this type of failure even on these dinosaur Mitsubishi turbos c) don't want to replace turbos yet again lol.
I don't hear any whine at all once car is warmed up or in summer like weather but its very obvious when cold.

[bigdaddyaaron]

Originally Posted by Turkish Mafia

Out of curiosity, how many miles on your turbos? Replaced under warranty at all?

Thanks.

Just bought the car 6 months ago, so im not aware of any turbo replacements. 75k miles on the car now. the wastegates do rattle though.

[OB]

Rear turbo inlet could be a bit loose, I had the same sound

[Turkish Mafia]

Originally Posted by OB

Rear turbo inlet could be a bit loose, I had the same sound

Any way to check this without lifting the car?

Thank you.

[JustDriveIt]

It may be a pulley. I had something that sounded very similar and ended up being a pulley. Almost sounded like I had a supercharger. (car was NA)

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Usually EXCESSIVE turbo siren on a hot engine is the issue.

Turbo siren with a cold engine and especially with modifications like intake and tune is fairly normal.

I've had two E92 and they both do it when it's cold out.

[Turkish Mafia]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Usually EXCESSIVE turbo siren on a hot engine is the issue.

Turbo siren with a cold engine and especially with modifications like intake and tune is fairly normal.

I've had two E92 and they both do it when it's cold out.

My only concern is that I have had the same tune and mods for a while and this just started out of the blue.

[bigdaddyaaron]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Usually EXCESSIVE turbo siren on a hot engine is the issue.

Turbo siren with a cold engine and especially with modifications like intake and tune is fairly normal.

I've had two E92 and they both do it when it's cold out.

Mine is def on a hot and cold engine. Almost sounds like transmission gears in a race car or something. But it only started after my dp install. I don't think there is a leak. I took a log and am hitting 19 psi.

It is also non existent at idle and only howls under load

[bigdaddyaaron]

Is it possible I didn't clamp the turbo vbands down tight enough?

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Turkish Mafia

My only concern is that I have had the same tune and mods for a while and this just started out of the blue.

You know what's interesting, today I didn't hear it either. I think it almost matters on the change in humidity or something. It's fairly inconsistent.

Some days it's louder then other days.

This would be excessive sound

If it does this with a fully warmed up car and does it all the time then you have turbo failure.

The dealer is going to be pretty picky on replacing turbo's just for this sound alone. Especially if it's inconsistent or not able to duplicate when warmed up as it is a common characteristic of this car.

They usually look for drivability issues, CEL, smoking, ETC

I wouldn't sweat the noise, personally.

[Turkish Mafia]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

You know what's interesting, today I didn't hear it either. I think it almost matters on the change in humidity or something. It's fairly inconsistent.

Some days it's louder then other days.

This would be excessive sound

If it does this with a fully warmed up car and does it all the time then you have turbo failure.

The dealer is going to be pretty picky on replacing turbo's just for this sound alone. Especially if it's inconsistent or not able to duplicate when warmed up as it is a common characteristic of this car.

They usually look for drivability issues, CEL, smoking, ETC

I wouldn't sweat the noise, personally.

Unfortunately, this is exactly how mine sounds.

It's very consistent. Since the day it first started it has made the turbo siren noise every single day - same volume. It does slightly improve when engine is warmer, but the sound is still there both on cold and warm engine.

I find it very frustrating since my turbos are just barely 1 year old, replaced under warranty.

Thanks very much for all the information.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Turkish Mafia

Unfortunately, this is exactly how mine sounds.

It's very consistent. Since the day it first started it has made the turbo siren noise every single day - same volume. It does slightly improve when engine is warmer, but the sound is still there both on cold and warm engine.

I find it very frustrating since my turbos are just barely 1 year old, replaced under warranty.

Thanks very much for all the information.

If it does when warm that might be an issue. When I say warm I mean oil temp at least 220F if not more. Usually by this time the car has been on for at least 15 min if not more.

If it does it day to day like that and when it gets warm out then it may be a concern.

[Turkish Mafia]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

If it does when warm that might be an issue. When I say warm I mean oil temp at least 220F if not more. Usually by this time the car has been on for at least 15 min if not more.

If it does it day to day like that and when it gets warm out then it may be a concern.

Yes, unfortunately this is the case. Definitely, not as audible when engine is cooler, but it's there.

Boost is perfect though (up to 19 PSI protuned), and no performance issues.

I'll investigate a bit more.

I really appreciate all your thoughts and advice Jeff.

[maxfallor]

I am having the exact same issues since Saturday night when I got a 30FE code and had my downpipes installed on Tuesday of that week. I have talked to some about this and some say it might be because the vacuum hoses or tanks are leaking. Anyone else have any ideas?

[Turkish Mafia]

Originally Posted by maxfallor

I am having the exact same issues since Saturday night when I got a 30FE code and had my downpipes installed on Tuesday of that week. I have talked to some about this and some say it might be because the vacuum hoses or tanks are leaking. Anyone else have any ideas?

Man I wish I could answer your question.

All I can say is that I strongly dislike turbos. Enough said.

[bigdaddyaaron]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

You know what's interesting, today I didn't hear it either. I think it almost matters on the change in humidity or something. It's fairly inconsistent.

Some days it's louder then other days.

This would be excessive sound

If it does this with a fully warmed up car and does it all the time then you have turbo failure.

Thats it right thurr. But i noticed now that you mention it that It does only do it sometimes.

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

The dealer is going to be pretty picky on replacing turbo's just for this sound alone. Especially if it's inconsistent or not able to duplicate when warmed up as it is a common characteristic of this car.

welp, time to go single (as if i needed a reason)

[ThatRWD]

I had my turbos replaced by the dealer, any then this noise started I believe right after or soon after.

Jeff my sound is always there. Why would it matter if the car is cold or warm? And is it easy to check and do the inlets?

[924er]

My turbo makes the same exact sound but only when cold. The sound disappears when you go over 2000rpm. It's obviously not a boost leak since it only happens when it's cold but I'm not completely ruling that out.

I would be interested to know if this means the turbo is on its way out or it just means the bearings are not properly lubricated because it's cold.

[MM Performance]

Don't worry about it. My stock turbos made that sound for 2 years before I upgraded to hybrids and they made incredible boost and didn't leak oil during that time. If your turbos start to smoke or not make boost that's when you should worry.

FYI, my stock turbos are still working and I beat the crap out of them trying to break them and they never did. They are pulling strong in another car now.