how much shaft play is normal?

[Your_Dead]

like the topic says how much shaft play is okay? what is notmal and what is a blown turbo? i gotta know cause im gonna be ordering a new turbo tommorrow and i would like to make absolutely SURE its the turbo and nothing else. someone please let me know

 

[rdnek1112]

if your fins are rubbing the side of the compressor walls then u need a new turbo, it usually starts to sound somewhat of a supercharger before it goes. the noise comes from the fins rubbing on the sides of the compressor walls.

 

[Catbox_95]

I was told about 1mm front-to-back is the most you want. I learned this the hard way when I just a few days ago bought a used turbo from a guy on DSMTuners who told me it had NO shaft play, and after I paid him and got it, the play measured 4mm and the entire turbo is toast.

Not getting off topic, just suggesting that you 1) measure the play you've got and it must be very, very little, and 2) don't buy a used turbo.

 

[talontsi01]

I just went through replacing my turbo. I had very minimal shaftplay, therefore I thought it was a boost leak somewhere or something other than the turbo. Did a boost leak test, it wasn't that. It ultimately ended up being my turbo. There was barely any shaftplay, but it was enough to not seal and ultimately cause a huge boost leak. I bought a used turbo (14b) and simply swapped the turbine wheel into my old housing (already ported/polished) and it worked great. In closing, I've seen first hand how little shaft play can ultimately mess up your turbo. But I've also heard that a "minimal" amount of shaft play is okay. Just make sure you've done a boost leak test before you go and buy a new turbo. Also, posting your exact symptoms, various sounds or any relevant information might aid us in helping you.

Jim

 

[91AWDTurbo]

I just helped my buddy install his new evo III 16G, brand new out of the box, and even it had some side to side shaft play. it didnt come close to hitting the compressor housing, so we decided to run it, and havent had any problems as of yet. 14b we took off had a quarter inch of side to side play, and was mising 3 blades !
JJ

 

[talontsi01]

I just helped my buddy install his new evo III 16G, brand new out of the box, and even it had some side to side shaft play. it didnt come close to hitting the compressor housing, so we decided to run it, and havent had any problems as of yet. 14b we took off had a quarter inch of side to side play, and was mising 3 blades !
JJ

Some side to side is normal, its the front to back that you have to worry about.

 

[ddavisaf]

Brand new turbos have more than normal play in them. There's no oil, so they havn't had time for the bearings to seat properly.

 

[aznerd11]

i have about 1mm in and out shaft play on my 14b.. and it started the supercharger sound.. how long you guys think my turbo would last?

 

[unlmtdndeavor]

dont try to guess. retire the car for a while. you may run for a little, but do you want little pieces ending up in the engine. just get another one.

 

[eclipsh]

So just to clarify, if my 16g has no end play but some side-to-side wiggle ( guessing 2mm) it is in good shape?