Checking turbo shaft play

**Mr Faust** · 09-25-2010, 12:36 AM

I recently purchased a set(front and rear) of 9b's from a local, and the first thing I did was check the turbine on the cold side for play, unfortunately I was able to move it up and down, however it was somewhat difficult to move the shaft using my index finger and thumb, both the front and rear have the same amount of play(up down, left right).

Next I tested to see how easily I could spin the turbine using my index finger on the shaft the nut threads onto, I could spin the front one easily but the rear required me to use my thumb as well to get it to spin, I could spin both using my index finger on the turbine itself but the front was the easiest.

I've read that a little play is acceptable, but I've also read that no play is acceptable, which is it? To me no play would be acceptable because if the turbine is able to move and make contact with the inside of the inlet it would certainly cause a problem, am I correct?

**Austin@STM** · 09-25-2010, 01:16 AM

A little play is acceptable, 99% of brand new turbos should have a little bit of shaft play up and down. Yes it it to much shaft play if it can touch the housing though.

**Ninja Performance** · 09-25-2010, 08:17 AM

If they have been off the car a while, they have little or no oil around the bearing/journals so there should be a little play. Also check in/out play which would show thrust wear.

-Chris

**Mr Faust** · 09-25-2010, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by Import Power

If they have been off the car a while, they have little or no oil around the bearing/journals so there should be a little play. Also check in/out play which would show thrust wear.

-Chris

They don't move in and out a noticeable amount, if it's bad will it be obvious with the amount of play?