There is a turbo on ebay that says this: "this turbo has NO IN OR OUT PLAY but does have slight up and down iv been told this is normal for a dry turbo any questions please ask"

Is this true?

Ta

 

It depends on which sort of turbo it is, if it is a sleeve bearing turbo(td04,05,06)then when your checking these there should be virtually minimal play when you move the shaft side to side. Contrary to popular belief the shaft should have a tiny bit of play as when the bearing is floating on the film of oil under pressure,it keeps the shaft steady.
The other sort is the rollerbearing turbo's(vf23,24,28,etc,these as the name suggest are supported by a ballbearings and require slightly less oil flow to them,and should be checked by moving the shaft up /down,as before should be minimal movement.

Can you not post up the link as there are so many different turbo's for the impreza,so it is really hard trying to give you info when we are not sure what you are looking to buy.
Also what do you mean by 'dry' turbo.

 

if someone on here says, "no thats fine", you buy it and it turns out to be a complete dog will you be happy with that?

Of course not.
That's why you either have to take a punt or buy from a reputable dealer depending on your financial circumstances.

I certainly wouldn't rely on a distance recommendation from a stranger on here.

 

True but Midnight has given me excellent advice by pm about what to ask and what to look for, if it turns out to be poo then it is on my head. I am just happy to learn from others who have experience in this field

 

What turbo is it?? TDO4? VF35?? etc?

 

Td05 16g mate

 

I know t3 garrett turbos have slight up and down movement as the shaft runs on a film of oil hence when not under pressure movement is possible, only a small amount though, the in out as stated should be zero. But one persons slight play could be someone elses knackered, so unless you can see for yourself is hard to judge

 

Pretty sure thats a sleeve bearing, so it will have a little play as the bearing is dry now (as it's out of the car and any oil has drained off)
You should have very very minimal play.
I'd say to him, can he give you a rough estimate of the play, if he say's "oh just a couple of mil" i'd walk away.

 

my td05 has slight side to side play, but no in and out play.
its been runnign fine with no smoke for years (touch wood!)

 

Peanuts i could not agree more ,which is why after pm ing a very well respected member of this site,i drove 120 miles to kent to pick up my current vf28.Fact is when i got down there i knew what things to look out for and bought it, and have been happy ever since.
Chtpcpo is not asking if he should buy the turbo,he is merely asking for advice,which is what this site is all about,and if he does decide to go ahead and purchase the turbo,& he goes to meet the seller then he at least has some idea of the things to look out for.Which is probably just as well ,as the turbo he is looking at buying does not come supplied with an actuator arm.Not a big problem i know,but just someting the o/p was not aware of as the seller did not mention this in his advert.Good advice cost nothing,and it will always be up to the person looking to purchase as to whether they buy or not.