A deflating hose in that location indicates a severe restriction in airflow and a major problem with your turbocharger system.
** What This Means ** That black hose is the charge pipe, and it's supposed to be under positive pressure (boost) when the engine is running and the throttle is opened. It should feel firm or even swell slightly. If it's collapsing or deflating, it means there is a strong vacuum inside it, which should never happen. This points to the engine trying to suck air through a major blockage.
** Most Likely Cause: The Turbo Isn't Working ** The most common cause for this specific symptom is that the turbocharger itself has failed and is no longer spinning. When you open the throttle, the engine demands a large amount of air. However, if the turbo's compressor wheel is seized or broken, it acts like a massive plug in the intake path. The engine's powerful suction then creates a vacuum between the throttle body and the stalled turbo, causing the flexible charge hose to collapse inward. Possible reasons for the turbo failure include a seized bearing, a broken shaft, or catastrophic damage to the compressor wheel.
** How It Affects Airflow ** This issue severely restricts the airflow to the engine. Instead of getting pressurized air, the engine is being starved of air.
This will cause: 1. A major loss of power 2. Very poor or no acceleration 3. Potential stalling or difficulty running You should not drive the vehicle in this condition. The turbocharger needs to be inspected and likely replaced immediately.
Scenario 1: Hose Between the Air Filter and the Turbo (Intake Side)
You rev your turbo engine and see the silicone intake hose connecting your air filter to the turbocharger collapse on itself. This is an alarming sight, but it's typically caused by a combination of a restrictive air filter and an unreinforced, flexible hose that can't withstand the turbo's suction.
The Cause: High Vacuum
- A small or clogged air filter creates a bottleneck.
- The turbo tries to pull more air than the filter can supply, creating a strong vacuum.
- A standard, non-reinforced silicone hose isn't strong enough to resist this vacuum and gets sucked flat.
The Solution: Better Components
- Upgrade to a Rigid Pipe: Replace the flexible elbow with a solid aluminum elbow that cannot collapse.
- Install a Larger Filter: Use a high-flow air filter that can meet the turbo's demand, reducing the vacuum in the first place.
Scenario 2: Hose Between the Turbo and the Throttle (Charge Pipe Side)
You rev your engine and notice the silicon hose between the throttle and the turbo is being sucked flat. This is a sign of a major and immediate problem. This hose, known as the charge pipe, should be filled with pressurized air (boost) and should never collapse.
The Cause: Catastrophic Turbo Failure
If the charge pipe is collapsing, it means there is a powerful vacuum where there should be pressure. This happens for one primary reason:
- The Turbocharger is Not Spinning: The turbo has most likely seized due to a bearing failure or broken shaft. It is now a massive, stationary blockage in the intake path.
- When you open the throttle, the engine tries to suck air past this blockage, creating an intense vacuum between the engine and the stalled turbo, causing the charge pipe to collapse.
The Solution: Inspect and Replace
This is not an issue of using the wrong type of hose. The problem is a failed component.
- Do Not Drive the Vehicle: Continuing to run the engine could cause further damage.
- Inspect the Turbocharger: The turbo must be removed and inspected immediately. Check if the compressor wheel spins freely by hand (once cooled down).
- Replace the Turbo: A seized turbocharger cannot be repaired and must be replaced.