Can I split my turbocharger for easy removal?

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NearlyComatose

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I have a 2018 A5 coupe that has the wastegate sticking problem. Yesterday I called a nearby Audi dealer to order a new turbo, and no surprise, they are on backorder everywhere with no ship dates. So my only option seems to be to buy the aftermarket wastegate repair kit and change out the wastegate components.

I've been watching videos on how to get the turbo assembly out in order to avoid any surprises, and it is a bit of a pain due to the tight spaces and the need to remove water and oil lines from the turbo.

I noticed that the turbo assembly has a clamp that holds the intake and exhaust sides together. I was thinking that, if I just loosen the one screw on that clamp, then I might be able to remove just the exhaust side of the turbo, and then I would not have to disconnect the oil lines and the water line and electrical connectors. I could then repair the wategate and put the exhaust side back in. (I do know that the turbine shaft runs from one side of the turbo to the other, so I'm not sure if disassembly is possible.)

Can anyone tell me if I can remove just the exhaust side of the turbo without screwing up my turbocharger?

Thanks
 
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stefdds

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I'm not sure, but you can see from this video (and he has done hundreds of these) your turbo is "sandwiched" in place quite tightly. And the exhaust portion of the turbo is sandwiched between the down pipe and compressor side of the turbo.

You may choose to send the turbo out for rebuilding if you remove it completely. Once you check the bearings or bushings on the compressor wheel (ie lateral movement). Not sure of your mileage.

Your going to need some unique sockets and extensions as well as a inductive heater or a map gas torch to warm up the exhaust nuts/bolts etc. (maybe , maybe not, but you need to be prepared).

I get what you are saying / attempting, but in reality (not on paper) I think you would be very close to removing the entire assembly anyway , so you mine as well remove the assembly and break it down on the bench top and get a good look at everything.

Otherwise, try it your (theoretical) way and see what happens. You may have seen these, but the last one addresses wear of the linkage. Jarred has many on this topic, so perhaps you should view them all.



 
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NearlyComatose

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Thank you for the reply. I do have a map gas torch and other things. Based on a video I watched, it looks like I can unbolt the cat from the turbo, then I can undo one or two mounting screws on the first exhaust pip bracket, and it looked like the cat can then be moved around enough to slide it off of the turbo studs and out of the way. I really don't want to loosen that clamp on the turbo until I know for sure that it will go back together without ruining the turbo.
 
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Dr Sheldon

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Look at ERWIN for the correct Remove & Refit Procedure !
 
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NearlyComatose

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Look at ERWIN for the correct Remove & Refit Procedure !
Thanks for the tip (again) Dr. Sheldon. I wasn't familiar with ERWIN and I just took a look at it, the fact that the factory repair manuals are there makes it a gold mine. I have factory manuals for all of my cars and motorcycles except for the Audi. I get a bit nervous doing a job like this without having proper torgue specs, calibration procedures, fluids specs, etc. so this is great info and I will use it. Thanks again.
 
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