I just purchased a set of used 1999 J-Spec Turbos that are only supposed to have about 6k miles. I just got them today and I notice that there is a small amount of radial play in each of the spindles. (There is no axial play.)
Is this normal???

Any feedback is apreciated. I really hope that they are OK as the car I purchased had a set of bad turbos and I hope my bad luck is not continuing.

 

Yep, that's fine. There is some room in the bearings that's taken up once pressurized oil is flowing through them. If it was solid and tight, oil couldn't get in there to lubricate the bearings.

Dale

 

Thanks for your feedback Dale. That is such a relief.
I just took the 99 Turbos to KD Rotary and they confirmed what you said. Radial play is normal and there should not be any axial play.

 

You just don't want a LOT of radial play - enough where the compressor wheel hits the housing.

Anyhow, glad you're OK and on the way to new turbos .

Dale