Which fault could cause erosion of turbocharger compressor wheel blades?

• A. Extreme temperatures
• B. Turbo over speed
• C. Lack of lubrication
• D. Air intake tube leaking

Answer: (D)

Erosion of the compressor wheel blades happens when abrasive particles in the intake air strike and wear away the blade surfaces. If the air intake tube leaks, unfiltered air (potentially containing dust and debris) can bypass the filter and enter the compressor path, causing those hard particles to impact the blades at high speed and gradually erode them. The other faults affect different parts of the system—extreme temperatures can cause thermal stress or material damage, turbo over speed can lead to mechanical failure or blade contact, and lack of lubrication mainly harms bearings and seals rather than eroding the blades themselves.