Unbalance causes in turbocharger systems

Every rotor needs a proper weight distribution across the rotating axis to prevent unbalance. Turbocharger assemblies are meant to increase power in internal combustion engines injecting huge loads of air into the combustion chamber. A turbine spinning from the exhaust gases spins a compressor attached to the other end of the shaft, in order to increase air intake.

Turbo balancing machines are commonly used in turbocharger manufacturing process for balancing them, however, some residual unbalance is left in almost every installed turbo. On the other hand, over speeding the turbo may prematurely wear the components, causing unbalance in the shaft.

Another common cause is damage made by an object hitting the turbo at high speed. Small pieces of plastic or ceramic may detach from a hose or any other engine component, becoming dangerous projectiles for the compressor and turbine impeller.