Is Your Garrett Large Frame Turbo a Ball Bearing Unit? How To Tell!

In this video I will go over how to tell if your Garrett mid/large frame turbocharger is a ball bearing model or a journal bearing style. Quick and simple!
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Thank you! Reed

[@CMETURBO]

thank you for your video. Reed ! absolutely !!!!

[@hardhead7056]

Thanks a lot for that post. My garret looks just like your example of a journal bearing center. With a billet back plate. But they claim it is a ball bearing. You mentioned that there are some hybrid custom setup with half-balls. I haven't disassembled mine yet. To confirm or deny the claims of the previous owner. 🤞for the next video regarding the hybrid.

[@workturbo]

Turbos that are "aftermarket" ball bearing conversions are a bit tricky to identify without some disassembly. I will see if there is any easy way to tell if they are BB or not

[@hardhead7056]

@@workturbo Thanks for the reply. One thing i can confirm is there is no oil restrictor that i can see. Just the standard t-branch in the center casting. Looking down into the oil feed oil. And no locating bolt in the bottom. Unless it's some strange hybrid. 🤷‍♂️ I need to call your shop tomorrow during business hours. Thanks again for the reply.

[@jacobydavis3953]

What’s the cover called that’s moving around on the hot side in front of the blade? Are they supposed to move?

[@workturbo]

That is the bearing housing heat shield, and most Garrett models will "float". The turbine housing locates and secures this part when it is installed. Reed