I was on my way to pick up my son the other day and heard a clear whistle coming from the engine. When I let off the gas, (the engine was still cold) it stopped and didn't come back. I haven't heard it since.

Here's my question: I know that a whistling turbo is a sign of failure, but can an "intermittent" whistle be a sign of something besides failure? If not, any guesses on how long I have until the turbo fails?

Thanks.

 

Well whistling doesn't necessarily mean that it's about to blow. I had a 9-3 with a constant whistle from the turbo and as far as I know it still runs 20K miles later. If at some point you have the downpipe off for some reason - check for shaft play, if there's shaft play you can rebuild the turbo...either do it yourself or you can send it off to someone. It's not really difficult to do.

 

Thanks, Roto. I'm not sure why I'd ever happen to have the downpipe off, but if I do, I'll check for it. Can I assume that I'll know "shaft play" when I see it, or is there a spec that can be measured with a Mark I Eyeball?

 

if you can wiggle the shaft than you've got shaft play...

 

The turbo in my 06 9-3 makes a a similar noise; the cars has close to 26k and runs great. I dont think theres a problem with the turbo. I kinda like the noise it makes hehe

 

Same.

My 99' 9-3 has a similar "whistle". It's more of a suction sound to me.. Thinking of mounting a BOV to better accentuate it.

 

a sucktion noise is the bypass valve operating...also normal

 

Oh yeah...suction noise and the whisteling noise; both i can hear on my 9-3. Cant wait until it gets warmer so i can drive with my windows open and listen to those awesome noises even louder, especially after ill install an air intake