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If you purchased a remanufactured turbocharger from Turboworks on an exchange basis, your order may include a refundable surcharge. Once the replacement has been fitted, the old turbocharger must be returned to us so we can refund the surcharge payment.
Turbochargers are heavy, but attached parts such as the actuator and electrical plug can be damaged if the unit is not packed securely.
This guide explains how we pack your replacement turbocharger, how to reuse the packaging, arrange the return and receive your refund.
Please return your old turbocharger within 21 days. Keep the box, bag and filling material supplied with your replacement.
What Is a Turbocharger Surcharge?
A surcharge is a refundable deposit held until your old turbocharger is returned. It allows us to send the replacement turbocharger before receiving the original unit from your vehicle.
Customers sometimes refer to the old turbocharger as the surcharge. However, the surcharge is the money paid with the order. The old turbocharger is the exchange unit that must be sent back.
Once we receive the correct old turbocharger, we match it to your order and process the refund.
How We Pack Your Replacement Turbocharger
Before your replacement turbocharger leaves Turboworks, we pack it with both its weight and its vulnerable parts in mind.
The main turbocharger housings are strong. However, parts such as the actuator, electrical plug, vacuum connection and control linkage can be damaged if they touch the side of the box or support the weight of the turbocharger.
We place the turbocharger inside a plastic bag and position it in a strong box. Protective filling is placed underneath, around the sides and over the top.
The turbocharger is positioned so the actuator and electrical plug do not touch the box. The remaining space is filled so the unit cannot move during transport.
When your replacement turbocharger arrives, look at how it has been packed before removing it. This will show you how the old unit should be positioned for its return.
Keep the Original Packaging
Please keep the box, plastic bag and filling material supplied with the replacement turbocharger. Any extra protection placed around the actuator or connectors should also be kept.
The original packaging is normally the safest and easiest option for the return. It has already been selected for the size and weight of your turbocharger.
Open the parcel carefully and store the packaging somewhere dry until the old turbocharger is ready to be returned.
The easiest rule to follow is to return the old turbocharger in the same way the replacement arrived: inside a bag, protected on every side and unable to move inside the box.
How to Pack the Old Turbocharger for Return
Drain Any Remaining Oil
A used turbocharger will normally contain some engine oil. Before packing it, allow as much remaining oil as possible to drain from the oil feed and oil return openings.
You do not need to wash or clean the turbocharger. Do not dismantle it, as we need the complete old unit returned.
Place the Turbocharger Inside a Bag
Reuse the plastic bag that contained the replacement turbocharger wherever possible.
If the original bag is no longer available, another strong plastic bag can be used. It does not need to be specialist packaging. A clean bin bag is suitable, provided it is large enough and can be tied or sealed securely.
The bag helps prevent any remaining oil from leaking into the box and soaking the filling material. If the old turbocharger still contains a noticeable amount of oil, place it inside a second bag.
The bag is there to contain oil. It does not protect the turbocharger from impact, so filling material is still required around the unit.
Prepare the Bottom of the Box
Place a firm layer of filling material across the bottom of the box before putting the turbocharger inside.
Do not place the unit directly onto bare cardboard. Turbochargers are heavy, and the weight can damage the box or any part resting against the bottom.
Reuse the filling supplied by Turboworks wherever possible. If you need more, use material that is firm enough to support the weight of the turbocharger. Foam packaging, bubble wrap, folded cardboard and strong paper filling can all be used.
Position the Turbocharger Safely
Place the bagged turbocharger near the centre of the box and support it using the strong cast housings.
The actuator, electrical plug, vacuum connection, sensor and control linkage should not touch the side or bottom of the box. The complete weight of the turbocharger must not rest on any of these parts.
There should be filling material between the turbocharger and every side of the box.
Protect the Actuator Plug
The actuator electrical plug is the part most commonly damaged during turbocharger returns.
Make sure the plug is not pressed against the box. Place extra cushioning around the actuator and plug, but do not wrap them so tightly that the packaging itself puts pressure on the connector.
The turbocharger must also be held firmly in position. Protecting the plug will not help if the complete unit can move towards it during transport.
Fill All Empty Space
Add filling around the sides and over the top of the turbocharger. The unit should be held firmly enough that it cannot roll, turn over or strike the box.
A small amount of loose paper is not enough. A heavy turbocharger can quickly compress or push lightweight filling aside.
Close the box and gently move the parcel. You should not be able to feel or hear the turbocharger moving. If it moves, add more filling before sealing the box.
Include Your Order Details
Place the delivery note inside the parcel if you still have it.
If the delivery note is no longer available, add a written note with your full name, Turboworks order number, telephone number and email address. You can also include the vehicle registration where available.
Your name and order number are especially important. They allow us to match the returned turbocharger to the correct surcharge payment.
Do not rely only on the courier label. The return may have been booked using a different name, and external labels can sometimes become damaged or covered.
Seal the Box Securely
Reuse the original Turboworks box if it is still strong, dry and undamaged.
If the box is torn or weakened, replace it with another strong cardboard box suitable for the weight of the turbocharger. A double-wall box is preferable.
Seal the top and bottom with strong parcel tape. Reinforce the main seams, edges and any areas that appear weak.
Complete one final movement check after sealing the parcel. There should be no noticeable movement inside the box.
Which Courier Should You Use?
You can use any suitable tracked courier service to return the old turbocharger.
We recommend using the Parcel2Go website. It allows you to compare services from several couriers and choose between collection and drop-off options.
Pack and seal the parcel before measuring it. Enter the correct final dimensions and complete packed weight when booking the service. Check that the chosen courier accepts automotive parts and declare the contents correctly where requested.
Remove or cover any old delivery labels before attaching the new one. Make sure the new label is fixed securely to a flat area of the box.
Keep your tracking number and proof of postage until the turbocharger has been delivered and your refund has been received.
Courier terms and compensation rules vary. Check the conditions before booking, as not every courier provides compensation for automotive components.
Return Checklist
Before sending the parcel, check that you have:
- Drained excess oil and placed the turbocharger inside a sealed bag
- Protected the actuator and electrical plug
- Added enough filling to stop the unit moving
- Included your name and order number
- Sealed the box with strong parcel tape
- Booked a tracked courier service
- Kept the tracking number and proof of postage
More Turbocharger Information
For more advice, company updates and turbocharger guides, visit the Turboworks blog.
You can also visit our Turbocharger Technical Information hub for guidance on turbo failure, part-number identification, DPF problems and how turbochargers work.
FAQ
Can I Return the Turbocharger in Person?
You can also return the old turbocharger directly to the Turboworks workshop in Eastbourne.
Check our opening hours before travelling or call us on 07440 707 255 or 01323 301 999.
Where Should I Send the Turbocharger?
Use the Turboworks return address supplied with your order or shown on our website.
If you are unsure which address to use, contact us before booking the courier.
How Long Do I Have to Return It?
The old turbocharger must be returned within 21 days.
This gives you time to have the replacement fitted and arrange the return.
If there is a genuine reason why you cannot return the turbocharger within 21 days, contact us as soon as possible.
How the Surcharge Refund Works
Once the old turbocharger reaches Turboworks, we identify the parcel, match the unit to the original order and check that the correct exchange turbocharger has been returned.
We normally process the surcharge refund on the next working day after receiving and checking the turbocharger.
However, please allow up to 7 days for the refund to be processed. This gives us extra time during busy periods or when a parcel needs to be identified manually.
The refund is normally sent back through the original payment method. Your bank or payment provider may take additional time to show the money in your account.
What Can Delay the Refund?
A refund may take longer if the parcel does not contain a name or order number, the wrong turbocharger has been returned or major parts are missing.
Delays can also happen when the return is booked under a different name, sent to the wrong address or delivered after the 21-day return period.
Poor packaging may also cause problems. Oil leakage, a damaged actuator plug or a turbocharger that has moved around inside the box can delay the return inspection.
Need Help With Your Return?
If you are unsure how to pack the old turbocharger, where to send it or whether your return has arrived, contact Turboworks.
Call us on 07440 707 255 or 01323 301 999 and we will be happy to help.
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