Is it worth it? / What would you do?

[tuscTDI]

My 2001 had the turbo bearing go out and the turbine is contacting the housing, also the AC compressor went out some time ago. Otherwise it is mechanically sound, I even had the 5-speed swap done. The problem is that I just don't have the time to do the work myself, so it's down to having a shop do it for almost 3 grand.

I love the car, but that's a lot of money, big punch in the gut I guess.

What would you do?

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

New turbo is $650-700. A/C compressor is under $300. Turbo swap should cost $400 or so, the A/C service less than that. So if the car's in good shape and you like it, is it worth $1800-$2K to get it back on the road? I would think so.

 

[WildChild80]

Please don't take this as me being a douche but find time...I'm blessed to have 2...one is stock and one is pretty well modified...but when one has a problem I can drive the other...just picked a Bosch 120 amp at the salvage yard for 20 bux, and the overrun clutch is perfect. My stock Jetta sat for who knows how many months because the person that was supposed to drive it didn't...

Attack one thing at a time...one of my AC compressors is from a salvage yard and cost me 35 bux and it still makes cold air 2 years later and it's been hawt in VA and SW Arkansas...

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[ktmkris]

At $3000 you are paying too much. Find you someone who could do a lower cost. Honestly both of those jobs are easy. So any competent mechanic should be able to r&r it.

 

[OlyTDI]

Agree -- find better mechanic, fix problems, drive on. Worth it.

 

[WildChild80]

If you weren't so far from me I'd do it on the cheap...way less than 3k for sure...I'm in SW Arkansas now

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[ghohouston]

Even if you dont have the tools, go buy them. A few hours labor, heck, may even take a few days if you dont have mechanical experience. If your a/c system has freon in it, take it to ANY shop, have them vacuum the system down. Replace compressor, and turbo on your own. Afterwards, drive the car back to the same shop, or any shop, have them charge the system if you're not confident. Probably less than $200 labor.

 

[h.ubk]

Find the time to do it. I replaced my turbo on a weekend without much of any help from the Bentley or online sources. You just unbolt everything on the old one and bolt everything on the same way with the new one.

These cars are going to become increasingly difficult and expensive to be serviced by hired help, so if you plan to keep yours, you should invest in the proper tools and knowledge.

h.ubk

 

[WildChild80]

Another thing that I've experienced is knowing what you have, the good and the bad...if you own it long enough there won't be many spots of the car that you haven't put eyes and hands on and you know the condition of the car. Honestly, if I didn't work on my own cars there is no way I'd have a mk4 TDI...unless I was paid like a doctor...

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[BobnOH]

Fix it. Nice to change the 2 oil lines with the turbo. AC compressor, not sure what other bits go with that other than gas fill. Say it's $2200, that's a $185 car payment for one year.
You'll need to look hard for a shop. If you're feeling adventurous and have time, try a local trade school (some high schools also). It'll take them a while, but they'd love it and would do it right.

 

[~TDIguy~]

I did a turbo swap between two of my mk4s once, really not bad of a job. IF I was closer id do it evenings for you for a fraction of that price... Be that as it may id say definitely get it done one way or another!! Remember they don't make these things any more...... Cheers

 

[WildChild80]

99 bux for a used 5 speed and it was almost removed when I got there...

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[tuscTDI]

Thanks for the encouragement you guys. Have a new turbo coming tomorrow and made the time this weekend. I used to do most of my own work but a new family and 50+ hour a week job has had me discouraged. I've been away from the forums for too long

 

[wonneber]

Thanks for the encouragement you guys. Have a new turbo coming tomorrow and made the time this weekend. I used to do most of my own work but a new family and 50+ hour a week job has had me discouraged. I've been away from the forums for too long

Think about the fuel savings in the long run and the good feeling when the car is running right from your labor.

 

[tuscTDI]

Replaced and Running! Support bracket misalignment problem...

Alright guys, time for an update.
I had a shop do the AC work and ordered a Mahle turbo from Peter's shop, which I installed last weekend. It's amazing the difference it makes. There must have been other issues in the intake/exhaust system, as everything is quieter now.

The one issue I ran into is that the turbo support bracket is a few millimeters misaligned with the hole in the block now. Has anyone run into this?

 

[csstevej]

I have. I just enlarged the hole slightly.

 

[WildChild80]

My modified car don't have one...maybe one day after shifter bushings and QA seals and getting a job...lol

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[tuscTDI]

Thanks y'all. I'll try that this weekend!