As above really, just purchased a brand new turbo and it has slight play in the shaft!!!! Is this right

 

my understanding is all turbos have a slight play (very slight), you can feel it but you shouldn't be able to see it! But thats only with the TD04/05 i have had

 

Hydrodynamic turbos have slight play in their shafts, this is due to the type of bearing that they run. In which, they float within pressureised oil.. Like a bottom end bearing

Ball bearing turbos, shouldn't have any play.

 

Slight up and down play will be fine, but should have no in and out play

 

nice one, cheers guys. In that case i had better get fitting..

 

That depends on the type of turbo. The Garrett GT series ball baring turbo's have quite a bit of play, especially the larger cores.


Mark.

 

Just checked it again and it has play both up and down and in and out!!! But it is a Garret!!

The play isn't huge, but i don't really know what is acceptable and what isn't....

I think i'll give the guy a call tomorrows..

 

my garrett 35/40 is the same

 

Really.. Not questioning.. But why?

 

Probably to alow for thermal expansion, otherwise it would seize as soon as it got hot!

Simon

 

Play in the shaft if essential due to the shaft being housed by the bearings it need this clearance to flow a sufficient amount of oil other wise you will have seized bearings. . The play will reduce once the turbo reaching is desired oil pressure and temperature the same principle as any other part of the engine.

If the play is excessive you usually find it’s down to warn bearings on an “old turbo”, this will generally make the end float to great and the shaft will begin to come into contact with the housing etc and you will have a high pitch whine.