Chipped blades

[KMinAF]

Excuse my ignorance, but what causes the blades to chip on the intake side of the turbos? I have noticed this condition in several turbos that I have seen. Is it solely from a foreign object getting past the filter?
Just wondering...

 

[starscream5000]

Not sure, mine's fine, but my cousin's is that way, yet his honey comb on the AFM looks ok... :dunno:

 

[hellraiser456]

i was always under the impression that it is shaft play. the compressor blades are allowed to hit the turbo casing and thus causing them to chip. i don't think it would be a foreign object unless you don't have an air filter or something broke pre turbo and post air filter....which to me seems unlikely.

 

[Supracentral]

It's most commonly seen with these riceboy idiots who think chicken wire over the turbo inlet is a good idea..

It's physical damage, either by debris, or the bearings failing so badly that the impellers contact the housing. Either way, it's a sign of an abused turbo.