So, i read the whole t4 hybrid turbo thread and figured i would try it out myself. The turbo i bought happens to be a ball-bearing turbo (i think). I've never really taken a turbo apart before, but it came already taken apart, and i'm not sure if i have all the pieces. I put it back together following other pictures and such but when i tighten the nut on the compressor wheel with just my fingers, it doesn't want to spin at all. when the nut isn't tight it glides perfectly. Could someone help walk me through this? maybe show me a couple pictures? Its supposed to be a hybrid already, i think with a s5 hotside? (the wastegate has 2 holes and is a bit bigger than my s4) I'll upload some pictures to help identify it. (if it helps)

 

You may have installed something backwards. The only way to tell is to take it all back apart. And gpopshop.com has a pretty good exploded parts diagram for several types of turbochargers. May be worth taking a look at.

 

using the gpopshop diagram, i put #5 in backwards, and got the same result as the O.P.... it wouldn't move with the nut tight. put it in the other way round, and its been fine.

 

Thanks guys, i'll definitely try it.

 

Part #9 backwards will prevent the turbine shaft from going in all the way. Most novice turbo builders really don't know if it's properly seated. This will also cause it to bind when tightened.

 

Yeah i'll look at that tomorrow. It seemed like it only went in one way, but i could be wrong.