Can you rebuild a 6.7 Cummins turbo yourself?
Yes, many 6.7L Cummins owners have successfully rebuilt their Holset HE351VE and HE300VG turbochargers at home using a rebuild kit.
The process involves disassembling the center hub rotating assembly (CHRA), replacing the journal bearings, thrust bearing, oil seals, O-rings, and gaskets, then reassembling with proper torque specs.
You will need a basic set of mechanic's tools, a clean workspace, and patience, as the VGT nozzle ring assembly requires careful reassembly to function correctly.
Professional installation is recommended if you are not comfortable working with precision rotating assemblies, but many diesel owners with moderate mechanical experience complete the job in a single weekend.
How much does a turbo rebuild kit cost for a 6.7 Cummins?
A complete turbo rebuild kit for the 6.7L Cummins HE351VE typically costs significantly less than a full turbo replacement from the dealer.
Individual components like the nozzle ring, compressor wheel, or speed sensor are also available separately for targeted repairs.
For comparison, a dealer turbo replacement can run several thousand dollars when you factor in parts and labor, while a DIY rebuild with quality components saves you a substantial amount.
EGR Performance offers free shipping on all orders, a 45-day return policy, and a one-year warranty on turbo rebuild parts.
What are the symptoms of a failing turbo on a 6.7 Cummins?
Common symptoms of a failing 6.7L Cummins turbo include excessive shaft play, oil leaking from the turbo into the intercooler piping, loss of boost pressure, and turbo surging under acceleration.
You may also see a P003A trouble code for overboost or underboost conditions, which often points to a stuck VGT nozzle ring rather than a complete turbo failure.
Whining, grinding, or siren-like noises from the turbo area indicate bearing wear or compressor wheel contact with the housing.
Blue smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration is a telltale sign that the CHRA oil seals have failed and engine oil is passing through the turbine.
Should I rebuild or replace my 6.7 Cummins turbo?
If the turbo housing and wheels are in good condition with no cracks or significant damage, a rebuild kit is the most cost-effective path and will restore your turbo to like-new operation.
Rebuilding replaces all the wear items (bearings, seals, gaskets) while retaining the factory housing and VGT components that are still serviceable.
If your compressor wheel is damaged, you can upgrade to a billet aluminum wheel as part of the rebuild rather than buying an entire new turbo.
Full turbo replacement becomes necessary only when the turbine housing is cracked, the VGT mechanism is beyond repair, or the compressor housing has sustained damage from a catastrophic bearing failure.
What turbo does the 6.7 Cummins use?
The 6.7L Cummins uses Holset variable geometry turbochargers, with the specific model depending on the truck year.
The 2007.5 through 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins came equipped with the Holset HE351VE VGT turbocharger.
Starting in 2013, Ram switched to the Holset HE300VG turbo for the 6.7L Cummins, which uses a different speed sensor and VGT actuator calibration.
It is critical to verify your turbo model number before ordering rebuild parts, as the HE351VE and HE300VG use different components.
The Turbo Oil Feed Line Kit in this collection also covers 5.9L Cummins Holset HX35 and HX40 turbos from 2003 to 2007.
What is included in a 6.7 Cummins turbo rebuild kit?
A complete 6.7L Cummins turbo rebuild kit for the HE351VE includes replacement journal bearings, thrust bearing, oil seals, O-rings, and gaskets needed to restore the center hub rotating assembly.
Some rebuild kits also include a new compressor wheel and turbine shaft for a more comprehensive restoration, particularly when the original cast wheel shows signs of fatigue or imbalance.
Separate components are available individually, including VGT nozzle rings, speed sensors, and oil feed line kits for targeted repairs.
Always check the kit contents against your turbo model to confirm you are getting the correct parts for your specific HE351VE or HE300VG turbo.
What causes VGT nozzle ring failure on the 6.7 Cummins?
VGT nozzle ring failure on the 6.7L Cummins is primarily caused by carbon and soot accumulation that packs into the sliding vane mechanism over thousands of miles of operation.
The exhaust gases flowing through the turbo carry particulate matter that gradually builds up on the nozzle ring surfaces, eventually causing the vanes to stick in one position.
Trucks that idle extensively, run frequent short trips, or operate with degraded EGR systems are especially prone to accelerated carbon buildup in the VGT assembly.
A nitriding-treated replacement nozzle ring resists carbon adhesion better than the factory component and restores proper variable vane movement for consistent boost control.
Can you use these rebuild parts on a 5.9 Cummins turbo?
The Turbo Oil Feed Line Kit in this collection fits both 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins engines in Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from 2003 through 2018.
If you are doing a 5.9 Cummins turbo rebuild on a 2003 to 2007 model with the Holset HX35 or HX40 turbo, the oil feed line is a direct fit replacement with T304 stainless construction and high-temperature Viton O-rings.
However, the compressor wheel, nozzle ring, and speed sensor components are specifically designed for the 6.7L HE351VE and HE300VG turbos and will not fit the 5.9L HX35 or HX40 turbochargers.
Always verify fitment by checking your turbo model number against the product compatibility list before ordering.
Do I need to calibrate the VGT actuator after a turbo rebuild?
On 2013 and newer 6.7L Cummins trucks equipped with the HE300VG turbo, VGT actuator calibration through the ECM is recommended after replacing or rebuilding the turbocharger.
The calibration procedure ensures the actuator position sensor accurately reports vane position back to the engine computer for proper boost control.
On the earlier 2007.5 through 2012 HE351VE turbos, the actuator is a self-contained electronic unit that generally does not require ECM calibration after a rebuild, though some owners choose to perform a relearn procedure anyway.
If you are replacing the speed sensor, clearing any stored trouble codes and performing a short test drive cycle will allow the ECM to relearn the new sensor values.
Are turbo rebuild kits legal for street-driven trucks?
Turbo rebuild kits and replacement components such as nozzle rings, compressor wheels, speed sensors, and oil feed lines are designed for competition and closed-course off-road use only.
Installing these parts on a vehicle driven on public roads may violate local, state, or federal emissions regulations depending on your jurisdiction.
It is the owner's responsibility to verify compliance with all applicable laws before purchasing or installing turbo rebuild components.
EGR Performance offers free shipping on all turbo rebuild parts, a 45-day return policy, and a one-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Contact our 24/7 live support team for fitment questions or technical guidance before placing your order.