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supercharger problem

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 1:33 pm
by sochocki
I believe the supercharger in my 94 SSEi is ready to die. All of a sudden started to make loud bearing noises at idle. Trying to get in to my mechanic to have him check it out. I've seen rebuilt units for $450 with core online. Any idea about cost of installation?? Car has 64k miles.

Re: supercharger problem

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 3:26 pm
by J Wikoff
The superchargers are pretty easy to replace, really. They are right on top, and there isn't much that has to come off first. A few hours, at whatever the shop's rate is.

A few thoughts:
The bearings in the nose drive are replaceable and parts would be in the $50 range (it's been a while.. might be more, not sure). It would probably add a few hours to the shop time. I believe rebuilt nose drives are available, and one for 92 to 95 would fit. Added part cost but would reduce the shop time quite a bit.

The bearings in the rotor plate are not readily replaceable without a jig to control the alignment of the rotors. They are rarely an issue though. SC replacement would be a better option.

If replacing the supercharger (M62 Gen 3), you'd need one specific to a 94 or 95 year. The 92/93 supercharger (M62 Gen 2) has a smaller inlet size, the EGR port is smaller, and the rotors are not epoxy coated.

Also note that a lot of SC rebuilders will strip the epoxy off the rotors while cleaning them and tell you it makes no difference. That is NOT TRUE. Rotors stripped of their coating will produce less boost. Look for one with intact rotor coatings.

If you can remove the belt, you can do an easy test on the supercharger yourself. Grab the pulley and check for any play or rotational slop. Rotational slop would mean a new coupler is needed. It's like a $20 part. Any up/down/side play in the shaft would mean the bearings in the nose drive are shot.

Re: supercharger problem

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 3:30 pm
by sochocki
Thank you very much for your very informational reply!!!!

Re: supercharger problem

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 3:40 pm
by J Wikoff
No problem! It's been a while since anyone really talked about them here, but there was a while there where I lived and breathed these things.

Re: supercharger problem

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 6:19 pm
by MKMike
J Wikoff wrote: Also note that a lot of SC rebuilders will strip the epoxy off the rotors while cleaning them and tell you it makes no difference. That is NOT TRUE. Rotors stripped of their coating will produce less boost. Look for one with intact rotor coatings.
Very informative post!

Can you tell me why the stripped rotors produce less boost?
Not doubting: just seeking knowledge.

Re: supercharger problem

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 6:31 pm
by desertpierat
I believe its because there's more room for air to escape between the rotors when the coating is removed, I could be way off though.

Re: supercharger problem

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 10:41 pm
by J Wikoff
desertpierat wrote:I believe its because there's more room for air to escape between the rotors when the coating is removed, I could be way off though.
That's right.