I have just fitted a brand new gt30. It had side to side play in the shaft when I picked it up. I put this down to being new and having no oil on the bearings. I've now fitted and primed the turbo but the play is only marginally better.
I'm not talking masses but it is there which I wouldn't expect from a brand new turbo.

Has anyone else had this or know if it's normal??

 

you do sometimes get a tiny bit of play which is normal but if it was say around even 3mm to 5mm i would of got it checked out because turbos run very fine tolerances when there balanced so for a brand new turbo there should not really be lots of play.i proberly would advise you to have spoken to the saler that you purchased the turbo from to allow them to state there professional opinion and put your mind at ease.

 

It's probably only a mil or less, it's more movement than play. Just didn't expect any at all.