limbertjh

Can anyone explain the workings of a leaking turbo and what it causes?

joeffrS4

Turbos are fed engine oil for lubrication and coolant for temperature control. Generally if you pull the lower inlet hose to the inter-cooler and find a puddle of oil inside it is a good indicator that the turbo is leaking oil. They can also leak oil at the external banjo connectors. I have an automatic trans and could not envision being able to tighten the fittings however, some say with the 6 speed it is possible.
Turbos leaking oil internally are in need of replacement, sooner rather than later. Hope this helps.

limbertjh

And do you know of any problems this may cause or is it just an indication that the turbo may be going out soon?

joeffrS4

The turbo will eventually fail. Once it starts making the dreaded dentist drill screech, you are on borrowed time.

vr6bomber

dead turbo is leaking oil, oil in exhaust, oil in IC's, dentist drill.
Plenty of dead turbos on AZ if you want more info

EuroXS4

Which side is leaking??I have seen valve cover gaskets leak from the corner of the seal if your look at it from under the car it might look as if the turbo is leaking but it's not. or the rear cam caps leak causing similar leak.Depends of what your symptoms are.Any noise??low boost levels??does it sound liek a fire engine??