Lack of boost on TD5 - time for a replacement?

[Marry Jeyn]

My old TD5 has completely lost its whistle and feels dead slow climbing hills lately. I checked all the intercooler hoses for splits, cleaned out the MAP sensor, and even checked the wastegate actuator, but it still feels like I'm driving a heavy tractor. There’s a bit of play in the shaft when I check the compressor wheel too. Has anyone here run theirs until it completely blew, or should I swap it now?

[Dasa]

It has done over 150k miles on the original factory setup, so I guess it’s just reached the end of its life. Since it's my daily work truck, I can't leave it sitting in the yard for weeks waiting for a slow rebuild. I need a quick turnaround because I have jobs lined up next week.

[Darry Suera]

If there's noticeable play in the shaft, change it immediately before it drops blades into your engine and destroys the whole block. Don't bother with cheap unbranded parts from eBay either, they don't last a month. I just ordered a professionally rebuilt Land Rover Defender TD5 turbo from a UK shop that does exchange units. You just order the reconditioned one, put yours in the box, and ship it back to them. Got mine sorted in two days and the truck pulls like a train now.