How can you tell the difference between a ball-bearing turbo, and the other types (thrust, sleeve journal, whatever - I don't even know)? Is it possible to tell just by looking at it? I just sold one at auction on EBAY, but someone emailed me to tell me that my ball-bearing turbo isn't! I just want to know if he is screwing with me or if he is right. If he is right, I can't in good conscience complete this sale, so I need to know! Can anyone please help?

 

I think you mean BUSHING STYLE, right? Cause im almost postivive that all mitsu turbo's are bushing style. Please correct me if im wrong anyone.

 

he's probably right, if there is an oil feed and oil drain, then it's not a ball bearing turbo.

 

ball bearing ones just use the bearings and grease right?

 

Nope. They use oil also, just not as much. Some of them (bb turbos) might be dry I think, but the garrett gt series all use oil amongst others.

 

no BB section is "dry"

unless u mean aerocharger that has its own oil resevoir..

 

its not dry obviously

GREASE

 

Ball bearing turbo's uhmmm some newer IHI's Garret G25 bla bla and de GT-series(really expensive)

 

I have a brand new garrett ball bearing turbo sitting in my garage and it has oil lines just like a normal turbo. If you spin the wheel you can instantly tell the difference. If ou just spin the wheel with your fingers it stays spinning for about 20 seconds compared to the 3 seconds a ceramic turbo spins

 

Looks like nobody can tell me anywhere I posted what to look for (and yes, t3 turbos do come with ball bearing options, and yes they do need oil). Finally I took the turbo apart to see for myself. No ball bearings in sight. Just a couple of big, brass thrust bearings. Watch out for ssautochrome. Not only do they sell cheap crap. They lie about their products so you will buy them. I'm not completing the sale unless he wants a regular t3/t4, and maybe not even then. I really want to tear ssautocrap up over this. They'd better be ready to give me my money back.