CHRA Install... Remove Subframe?

ferocity02 · 08-13-2018, 04:18 PM

The thrust bearing on my stock rear turbo went out and needs to be replaced. I'm very handy so am fine doing the install myself. But to keep it cheap, I was thinking of just replacing the CHRA's with manufactured units from either RB or VTT. Can these be installed without remove the turbo manifold? I'd like to get away from removing the subframe if possible.

Torgus · 08-13-2018, 05:08 PM

Subframe takes like 20 minutes to remove. I would never mess with turbos without dropping the subframe. Seriously it's worth it man.

I vote RB CHRAs btw.

I have my old stockers if you want to buy them left over from when I went single turbo. Then do the install on a bench. It's going to be much easier than messing with them on the car in my opinion. But do what you think is best

AandSC · 08-14-2018, 06:01 PM

Agree with Torgus. Drop the subframe and RB CHRAs. Just did this and the subframe drop makes life much easier. I’m not sure you can change the turbo without removing the manifold either.

byebyev8 · 08-16-2018, 04:01 PM

You have to take the manifolds off to change the chra's. I did the turbos without dropping the subframe and its not a difficult job, its just time consuming.

Torgus · 08-16-2018, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byebyev8

You have to take the manifolds off to change the chra's. I did the turbos without dropping the subframe and its not a difficult job, its just time consuming.

20m of work gives you a tone more space imo. Just need an engine bar/brace.

Faredo · 08-16-2018, 05:30 PM

If you're wanting to save some cash by not getting a brace, you might want to reconsider. a shade tree kind of guy will use it more than once.
No way i would attempt this with suframe in. Also, I sort of got the feeling from your original post youre only changing one CHRA? That would be wasted effort imo.

ferocity02 · 08-16-2018, 05:43 PM

I'm changing both CHRAs.

After looking at it more I am pushing forward and removing the subframe, it will be much easier to swap the CHRA'a on the bench. It takes a hell of a lot longer than 20 minutes to drop the subframe on my back in the garage for the first time, but it'll be worth it.

Bimmer_Engineer · 08-16-2018, 08:37 PM

So...google seems to indicate that a CHRA is a turbine and compressor assembly...but what does CHRA stand for?

ferocity02 · 08-16-2018, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Engineer

So...google seems to indicate that a CHRA is a turbine and compressor assembly...but what does CHRA stand for?

Center housing rotating assembly.

neilvan · 08-17-2018, 01:49 PM

I've done it twice (RWD) with the subframe in place. This was also on jackstand in the garage.

Honestly other than the time and tight space for everything packed in there, the subframe wasn't too bad. Because no hoist and I just didn't wanna unbolt more than I had to I left the subframe in.

So its doable.

ferocity02 · 08-26-2018, 08:28 PM

Finally got this done by removing the subframe. I don't see how to you could with the subframe in place. The snap rings holding the compressor housing to the CHRA are a real pain in the ass and were hard enough on the bench.

wrrush · 08-30-2018, 03:18 PM

just helped a buddy put in the frankenturbos last weekend and left the subframe in, use an engine brace and untighten the bolts on the engine mounts, it will provide the clearance you are looking for, while you are in there replace the engine mounts too, the one on the drivers side you will need help and a pry bar to get out/in

08-13-2018, 04:18 PM	#1
ferocity02 Colonel 564 Rep 2,085 Posts Drives: 2013 135is Join Date: May 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (8)	CHRA Install... Remove Subframe? The thrust bearing on my stock rear turbo went out and needs to be replaced. I'm very handy so am fine doing the install myself. But to keep it cheap, I was thinking of just replacing the CHRA's with manufactured units from either RB or VTT. Can these be installed without remove the turbo manifold? I'd like to get away from removing the subframe if possible. __________________ 2013 135is DCT Carbon Black Metallic
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08-13-2018, 05:08 PM	#2
Torgus Slow. 3808 Rep 7,150 Posts Drives: N54 6466 100% E85 + Meth Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 [10.00] 2007 BMW E90 [0.00] 2006 BMW E91 [0.00]	Subframe takes like 20 minutes to remove. I would never mess with turbos without dropping the subframe. Seriously it's worth it man. I vote RB CHRAs btw. I have my old stockers if you want to buy them left over from when I went single turbo. Then do the install on a bench. It's going to be much easier than messing with them on the car in my opinion. But do what you think is best __________________ E92 6466 E85 + Meth/ E70 #1 fully deleted 2.8 race flash / E70 #2 JBD / E90 & E91 both tuned & retired Psalm 144
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08-14-2018, 06:01 PM	#3
AandSC Private 34 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M-Sport MT Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Jax, FL iTrader: (0)	Agree with Torgus. Drop the subframe and RB CHRAs. Just did this and the subframe drop makes life much easier. I’m not sure you can change the turbo without removing the manifold either. __________________ 2009 335i Coupe M-Sport MT 136,000 miles 2013 Mini JCW 16,000 miles 2000 Lexus LS400 82,000 miles
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08-16-2018, 04:01 PM	#4
byebyev8 Private First Class 86 Rep 192 Posts Drives: e92 335i f12 m6 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Kenosha wi iTrader: (1)	You have to take the manifolds off to change the chra's. I did the turbos without dropping the subframe and its not a difficult job, its just time consuming.
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08-16-2018, 05:30 PM	#6
Faredo Lieutenant 320 Rep 404 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Arkansas iTrader: (0)	If you're wanting to save some cash by not getting a brace, you might want to reconsider. a shade tree kind of guy will use it more than once. No way i would attempt this with suframe in. Also, I sort of got the feeling from your original post youre only changing one CHRA? That would be wasted effort imo. __________________ Mods related to trouble shooting posts: Stock Turbos, MHD OTS V7 stage 2+ 93 oct, VRSF Downpipes, VRSF Relocated inlets, CTS Turbo 7" Intercooler, Tial BOV with upgraded line 5.56mm, index 12 injectors, A/T OEM Flash.
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08-16-2018, 05:43 PM	#7
ferocity02 Colonel 564 Rep 2,085 Posts Drives: 2013 135is Join Date: May 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (8)	I'm changing both CHRAs. After looking at it more I am pushing forward and removing the subframe, it will be much easier to swap the CHRA'a on the bench. It takes a hell of a lot longer than 20 minutes to drop the subframe on my back in the garage for the first time, but it'll be worth it. __________________ 2013 135is DCT Carbon Black Metallic
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08-16-2018, 08:37 PM	#8
Bimmer_Engineer Lieutenant Colonel 1051 Rep 1,667 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: May 2018 Location: Louisiana iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Porsche Boxster [0.00] 2016 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i [9.50]	So...google seems to indicate that a CHRA is a turbine and compressor assembly...but what does CHRA stand for?
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08-17-2018, 01:49 PM	#10
neilvan Major 872 Rep 1,380 Posts Drives: 09 E90 335i M-Sport 6MT RWD Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E61 530xi [0.00] 1993 Mazda Miata [0.00] 2009 BMW E90 335i [0.00]	I've done it twice (RWD) with the subframe in place. This was also on jackstand in the garage. Honestly other than the time and tight space for everything packed in there, the subframe wasn't too bad. Because no hoist and I just didn't wanna unbolt more than I had to I left the subframe in. So its doable.
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08-26-2018, 08:28 PM	#11
ferocity02 Colonel 564 Rep 2,085 Posts Drives: 2013 135is Join Date: May 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (8)	Finally got this done by removing the subframe. I don't see how to you could with the subframe in place. The snap rings holding the compressor housing to the CHRA are a real pain in the ass and were hard enough on the bench.
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08-30-2018, 03:18 PM	#12
wrrush Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 2007 335xi Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	just helped a buddy put in the frankenturbos last weekend and left the subframe in, use an engine brace and untighten the bolts on the engine mounts, it will provide the clearance you are looking for, while you are in there replace the engine mounts too, the one on the drivers side you will need help and a pry bar to get out/in
	Appreciate 0 Quote