2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Waste gate pivot arm jiggy

That's what I'm told is wrong with mine right now

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It's not leaking down the shaft exactly, the looseness keeps the actuator from being able to pull it tight, that's why it leaks boost. A friend and I have been talking about temp ways to tighten it up - a spring someplace or maybe bend the actuator rod in an S pattern to shorten it and take up the slack....something like that. VW's have the same issue.

 

Here's some pics of wastegates, both '07 MCS and Garrett GTX2860R.

The 1st two are OEM, both shown in the closed position --- I don't have a vacuum source to open it. The OEM has an added pivot point on the valve itself, allowing it to seal at a slightly variable angle. The last three are the Garrett, shown open and closed.

Both turbos have an adjustable actuating rod. Whether or not you choose to adjust it should be between you and your turbo supplier. I expect the proper adjustment would be when the valve is closed tight --- there should be nothing loose anywhere in the linkage. If there is, I highly recommend getting it replaced. Note that the Garrett has been disassembled, so the actuating rod isn't hooked up. It might be possible to replace just the exhaust portion of the OEM turbo, if the wastegate is loose. Maybe check with your aftermarket supplier?

 

If your turbo guy is the same guy who sold you the MAF delete tune, I'd be doubtful of his description of how things work. Your turbo is obviously different from both of mine, but neither of mine have any play in the pivot arm, just nice smooth movement. Even when the OEM version is disconnected from the diaphragm push rod, there's insignificant play. Any way you can find someone else with experience on your turbo? Personal opinion --- rotating shafts rely on bushings or bearings to prevent binding. Anyone using "play" has a terrible design.

Or maybe take a chance and adjust the push rod so all the play is removed? Do this with DP removed, so you can see the valve making flat contact. Remember, exhaust gasses will try to open the valve --- you need the diaphragm spring to hold it closed, until the ECU applies vacuum.

Have you taken off the DP to ensure the WG is making flat and continuous contact --- can't be wiggled off?

 

Nope! No play. When you check someone else's pivot arm, make sure they don't have the same mfg/model turbo you have. I've heard there are some "cheap Chinese" turbos out there, that "fall apart" easily. You might have one. You need to compare yours with other mfg's, preferably OEM. Good luck finding one in good working order with the pivot arm accessible.