Loose Turbo Bolts - growing problem

[DaveMack]

Folks ... it appears I'm the next to be struck down with the bolts loosening on my turbo. I'm taking it into the dealer next week, but in the meantime I'd like to coordinate all the info we have on this strange situation

I've spoken with Guy H today and he said that he's heard of about 12 cars that it has happened to (including his 3 times). There appears to be nothing (yet) that can fix this problem once and for all and he even had it happen when he changed to the KO4.

It's strange because basically, it's the same engine that was in the MKIV GTI and yet it didn't happen with that model and is yet to appear/be publicised in any other VAG model using the 1.8T engine. My apologies, Timbo ... you appear to have covered this well ... it has happened with other 1.8T users.

Symptoms to listen for:
Generally most apparent when cold starting. Engine sounds a bit asthmatic (wheezy) and there may be some metallic jingling (no, I'm not kidding).

When the engine warms up, these sounds may disappear. The symptoms gradually get worse (I don't know what happens if the bolts actually fall out - maybe one or more of you do ).

I rang the service department of the dealer today who said he'd never heard of it (maybe he hasn't ... maybe it's ostrich mentality).

Please let me know if you have had this happen to your Pogo and I'll take all the info to the dealer next week. This may necessitate going as high as VWA or even higher.

Thanks,
Dave

[PoloGTi]

Thats no good at all DaveMack i am sorry to hear it has happened to you aswell. Mine after 10,000ks has not done it again touch wood.
I hope VW look at this issue again and start to think about a long term fix.

[Timbo]

Sorry to hear about that Dave, and I'll be interested if your dealer can even identify the bolts you're talking about!

Unfortunately, dealer service reps never seem to go anywhere near forums, which is kind of strange because I tend to frequent internet sites associated with my work passions (settle -- I know it's an opening for a cheap joke at my expense, but resist the temptation )

As I said in the thread I started, search the 1.8T vortex sub-forum for loose turbo bolts, and you'll have hours of miserable reading.

The cure so far (and I know even Guy won't sign in blood on it) is replacement bolts, the HP replacement gasket, crush washers and some thermo-nuclear Loctite. Any new and better ideas gratefully accepted.

[DaveMack]

Sorry to hear about that Dave, and I'll be interested if your dealer can even identify the bolts you're talking about!

Unfortunately, dealer service reps never seem to go anywhere near forums, which is kind of strange because I tend to frequent internet sites associated with my work passions (settle -- I know it's an opening for a cheap joke at my expense, but resist the temptation )

As I said in the thread I started, search the 1.8T vortex sub-forum for loose turbo bolts, and you'll have hours of miserable reading.

The cure so far (and I know even Guy won't sign in blood on it) is replacement bolts, the HP replacement gasket, crush washers and some thermo-nuclear Loctite. Any new and better ideas gratefully accepted.

Tim, I've got that diagram you provided ... so I'll take that with me. Thankfully it hasn't reached 'tractor' proportions yet and I'll certainly be fitting the new dogbone mount from APR.

You would think that, with the history this engine has, they would have sorted something out by now. Apart from that ... I love the power-train in this thing.

Dave

[Timbo]

You would think that, with the history this engine has, they would have sorted something out by now

A state of denial supports a state of inertia

[99gti]

That's not good to hear mr mack! I hope it all gets sorted quickly for you. Keep us posted. If we need to bring in the heavys just let me know

[naviuk]

Hi


See this is a really old post, but i have just had this issue.... got lock washers, copper nuts and double nutted it... TIGHT! so far so good

[VWindahouse]

Although Jimmy's wire locking has stood the test of time without any stretching or loosening at all, it just took so much time to firstly get the turbo bolts drilled and then the locking process itself. This time we are going to try this

K03/K04 Turbo Locking Flange - 034 MOTORSPORT

Really cheap and it came with 3 new turbo bolts as well.

[noone]

Thanks Gav,
Hadn't thought about it until reading over all the details today.

love one if you're sitting in a spare, cheers. I won't see it until Friday, so any old mail is probably fine.

[h100vw]

Thanks Gav,
Hadn't thought about it until reading over all the details today.

love one if you're sitting in a spare, cheers. I won't see it until Friday, so any old mail is probably fine.

I'll post one tomorrow. I have a few spares and copper washers too if you ever need any in less than a week.

Gavin