What Is a Turbo Cartridge?

The turbo cartridge is pivotal in the vehicle's performance. Often, a seemingly simple question can unlock a discussion involving intricate engineering within automotive technology. So, what is a turbo cartridge?

This article will delve into the inner workings of this essential component, exploring its structure, operation, and impact on the car's turbocharger. It will guide you towards a more comprehensive understanding of turbo cartridges and offer a step-by-step procedure on how to replace one.

What Is a Turbo Cartridge?

We often like to say that the turbo cartridge is the heart of the turbo assembly, and throughout this section, we will explain why. Those unfamiliar with this term should know that the turbo cartridge is also called the CHRA (Center Housing Rotating Assembly).

The easiest way to explain the turbo cartridge is by looking at its inside. Simply put, the cartridge houses the compressor wheel, the turbine wheel, and the rotating shaft that houses the bearings. You may notice that the CHRA holds all of the main components of the turbocharger.

How does a turbo cartridge work?

What is the purpose of a turbo cartridge in a vehicle? The main goal of the turbo cartridge is to enhance engine capacity and efficiency. We find that even the best diesel turbocharger for sale relies on its cartridge. 

This part offsets extra strength to the turbo internals and makes an ideal solution for those interested in providing more horsepower to their engine. While this is a basic explanation of the role of the turbocharger cartridge, to offer a more comprehensive understanding of its significance, we will explain how it works.

The cartridge operates by harnessing exhaust gasses to spin the turbine wheel. This wheel is directly connected to the compressor wheel through the shaft. As mentioned earlier, both these wheels are located within the turbo cartridge. 

A key aspect of turbo cartridges is their rotational speed. This speed can exceed 200,000 rpm, making a well-balanced cartridge necessary. In cases of an unbalanced cartridge, the most common side effects we see are rapid bearing wear and, in the worst-case scenario, turbo failure.

We should also mention that a turbo cartridge may come with either journal bearing or ball bearings. The type of bearings included in the turbo cartridge gives us more insight into its function. 

Journal bearings

Journal bearings are more commonly found inside turbo cartridges. Their main functionality is providing control in the radial movement of the shaft. However, their downside lies in being unable to provide axial movement control to the shaft.

This is why we find these commonly paired with thrust bearings. This combination is usually done to prevent excessive shaft thrust play.

Still, it doesn't mean that journal bearings don't offer benefits. One of these bearings' greatest advantages is a prolonged turbocharger lifespan.

Ball bearings

What makes ball bearings a popular choice is their ability to reduce friction. This lessens parasitic losses and ultimately helps the turbocharger spool up faster. Their main advantage is most noticeable in terms of performance which is why these are usually used in racing cars.

It's worth noting that the difference between these two bearing types can be difficult to notice in normal driving. However, in racing applications, ball bearings shine their brightest.

How to Replace Turbo Cartridge

Replacing the turbo cartridge is one of the most cost-efficient ways to upgrade a turbocharger. Many fail to realize that turbine and compressor housing contain no moving parts. This means that these parts are entirely reusable. By only replacing the turbo cartridge, you may save on spending while restoring the used turbo functionality.

When replacing a turbo cartridge, the first thing we need to do is remove the turbocharger. Once this mission is successful, we can remove and replace the old cartridge with a new one. This procedure goes as follows:

1. Our primary concern at this stage is removing the turbine and compressor housing from the old turbocharger cartridge.
2. Before we begin, we first mark their placements within the old cartridge to know exactly where to position them within the new one.
3. Installing them on the exact spot within the new turbo cartridge ensures proper turbo functionality. 
4. To remove the housings from the cartridge, we simply unbolt them from the cartridge. 
5. Once done, we carefully reinstall them onto the new one. 

Common Cartridge Failure Symptoms 

Before we dive into the failure symptoms, we should mention that the cartridge is the part that withstands the greatest stress within the turbo. This is why the cartridge is also the main reason for most turbo complications and failures. Some symptoms that usually indicate cartridge failure include the following: 

Dropping performance 

A lower performance is one of the most common signs of a compromised cartridge. This is because a failing cartridge cannot offer the turbo optimal spooling performance. It can also not support the turbo in maintaining the needed pressure for optimal performance.

The easiest way to notice this failure is within the delay in acceleration of your vehicle. Simply put, stepping on the gas pedal doesn't offer the same power as it used to. 

Burning oil

A turbocharger burning oil is a clear indication of a faulty cartridge. This is usually the result of worn-out bearings and seals. In such scenarios, the oil may easily escape besides the bearings.

This results in oil burning once the turbo pushes the oil into the combustion chamber. The only solution to this problem is to replace the cartridge immediately. 

Noises coming from the hood 

While some noises can be music to the ears of car lovers, others are there to alarm you. Noises such as whining and hissing can be a clear indicator that the cartridge may be the problem.

In most cases, the weird noises you hear usually come from a damaged compressor or a failing seal. In more extreme cases, a rattling noise might require urgent action. 

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: EftiYunita

Conclusion

What is a turbo cartridge? This component stands as a central figure in the world of turbochargers. Its primary purpose is to boost engine efficiency and power.

It achieves this through an interplay between components such as the compressor wheel, turbine wheel, and bearings. However, the influence of the turbo cartridge also relies on the type of bearings involved.

Understanding the symptoms of cartridge failure and removal is key to ensuring a vehicle's longevity and power. While often overlooked, the cartridge remains the heart of the turbo assembly, playing a vital role in maintaining the pulse of your vehicle's engine.