I have a 2001 Saab 9-5 with a manual trans and 88,900 miles. As of lately, the temps has been far below 32F and there is a noise that sounds like something is spinning, but off balance, coming from the engine bay. It has a high pitch when the engine is idling, and changes as the revs change. It looks like its not coming directly from the enginge block, and instead it seems to be produced from the turbo area. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

(WARNING, HAVE THE ENGINE OFF WHEN DOING THIS). Take the intake pipe off the turbo inlet, grab the compressor by the nut and try to wiggle it side to side. If there's play than it's time to rebuild the turbo.

 

at 88000 miles i hope the turbo isnt shot that would mean someone didnt change the oil enough

 

My colleague's 9-5 had to have the turbo replaced at 90K miles.