What are the symptoms of the wastegate pin problem?

[Swordsmith]

I have been having an issue with high boost for a while now, and have been unable to track it down. Car runs fine normally so it's been a back burner issue, but I'd really like to get it back to faux-sportscar mode.

I've seen mention in a number of threads of a wastegate pin issue, but I can't seem to find a thread that actually discusses the details. Seems to me though that this might be a winner, it is (threads say) a known Sonic/Cruze issue, clearly the wastegate means it's on the turbo, and I know the wastegate is there to dump boost.

What exactly are the symptoms of this issue?

Would also love to hear what the fix is, hopefully other than have the dealer fix it and especially hopefully not "get a new turbo"

 

[Sneakerfix]

The pin issue doesn't cause high boost and would set a po299. What makes you think you have a high boost issue?

 

[Swordsmith]

No no, I do not have a high boost problem, I have a problem when my boost levels go high, over say 12 psi. Since I was previously going as high as 22 psi, this is a big issue. But since stock the car didn't produce more than 12psi, it's not really a problem in normal conditions... only when I want to punch it.

What I'm looking for is a description of the problems the waste gate pin issue would cause, so I can compare with the problems I have experienced.

 

[Maddmatts]

Why not physically inspect the linkage? If the pin's worn enough to cause problems there should be a noticeable, and possibly uneven, gap around it.

 

[kevjam79]

The linkage and pin should be very solid or you will have an issue. The real problem is that it creates an under boosting problem which causes conflicts in the ECM and can cause erratic engine surging or stuttering from the excess fuel and lack of air.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Swordsmith]

Ouch, now I'm getting some google results on searches and they look disheartening. This one is my least favorite:

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:Some customer's may complain of a MIL due to DTC P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost) if the vehicle has approximately 15,000 miles or more. This may be the result of a worn wastegate actuator pivot pin (3), allowing the wastegate to open when it should be closed.
Recommendation/Instructions:If a P0299 DTC is stored, perform SI diagnosis and repair as necessary. If SI diagnosis does not isolate the cause of this concern, move the wastegate linkage (1) and wastegate actuator pivot pin (2) in opposite directions while measuring the clearance between the two points. Generally, the clearance should be approximately .3-.4 mm (.012"-.016") or less. As the wastegate actuator pivot pin wears (3) and the clearance increases, the chance of setting a P0299 DTC also increases. In most cases where a P0299 DTC has set as a result of excessive clearance, it was generally around .8 mm (.032") or greater. If excessive clearance is noted, replace the turbocharger assembly and re-evaluate the concern.

An apparently later one reads similarly:

Condition/ConcernSome customers may comment that the malfunction indicator lamp is illuminated. Technicians may find diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0299 – Engine Underboost set.
This code may be set due to the loss of wastegate preload. Some wear in the wastegate actuator rod end to pin joint is normal. Wear in this joint does not affect performance and does not set any codes as long as preload is maintained.
Recommendation/InstructionsIf a P0299 DTC is stored, perform SI diagnosis and repair as necessary. If SI diagnosis does not isolate the cause of this concern, inspect for turbocharger wastegate preload.
Wastegate Preload Inspection:


Remove the heat shield. Refer to the Exhaust Manifold Heat Shield Replacement in SI. Warning: In order to avoid being burned, do not service the exhaust system while it is still hot. Service the system when it is cool.

Ensure that the retention clip (1) is in place. If the clip is missing, install a new clip.
Use your fingers to wiggle the wastegate pivot lever (1) back and forth.
If the lever wiggles with little effort while the actuator rod remains static, the pre-load is insufficient.
If the inspection failed, replace the turbocharger. Refer to the Turbocharger Replacement in SI.
If the inspection passed, continue diagnoses. Refer to the code P0299 in SI.


Warranty InformationFor vehicles repaired under warranty, use the appropriate labor operation for the repair performed.

Maybe if I'm lucky the retention clip fell off!

 

[$ub$onic]

Low miles turbo on eBay is $300

 

[Swordsmith]

I already own a barely used turbo. However, the $2000 bored and modified turbo that's actually on my car... I would like not to have to replace that.

Particularly not if the problem is a $2 pin.

 

[Sneakerfix]

I already own a barely used turbo. However, the $2000 bored and modified turbo that's actually on my car... I would like not to have to replace that.

Particularly not if the problem is a $2 pin.

Bored and modified turbo? Did the issues start after the updated Turbo? Did you have the fins clipped?

 

[Greasemonkey]

boosting an old thread to see if anyone had actually taken apart the turbo apart to see if it's repairable. I found last night that my wastegate is toast. im not in a position to be able to afford a new turbo. I think I am going to take the turbo off tonight to see if I can mill it out and install bushings. if anyone has experience with this, im all ears!

 

[Llia]

Do These Work to fix play?

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

boosting an old thread to see if anyone had actually taken apart the turbo apart to see if it's repairable. I found last night that my wastegate is toast. im not in a position to be able to afford a new turbo. I think I am going to take the turbo off tonight to see if I can mill it out and install bushings. if anyone has experience with this, im all ears!

Hey, how did you find out your wastegate was bad? I think mine crapped out last winter, and I wanna know what's going on.

 

[skurtov]

Hey, how did you find out your wastegate was bad? I think mine crapped out last winter, and I wanna know what's going on.

If you get P0299. Open up your hood. When its cold try to take that lever and move it. If it gives really easy then....

FIRST: check the e-clip. There should be one securing the arm at the pin joint directly over the turbo. If not, i think its a 3/16th. Replace it and see if there's easy play.

Second: if first is completed or the eclip is intact, and you can move the arm without significant effort. Either a. get a new turbo assembly or try out the BNR wastegate.

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

Haven't gotten a P0299 since my first turbo "failed." Covered under powertrain and the service dept. didn't even know what was wrong. What I do know though is that when I log the car it tops out at around 130 ft lbs of torque, and Jerry says it's getting around 10 instead of 20 lbs.

How do you define gives easy? I'm pretty out of shape and I actually moved it yesterday and it moved fairly easily but there was definitely some resistance there, it didn't just flop around. It was held tight in there. I don't really know exactly how wastegates work, but I did rev the car in neutral and the wastegate only opened when I let off the gas and the BOV opened up.

Or