What is reasonable shaft play? I just bought a used turbo and it seems that there is some shaft play...

I would also like to know what are the risks regarding any shaft play, if I install it.

 

how about you tell us what the turbo is.

 

The turbo is a T04R...

 

On turbos of that size there will be a little bit of side-to-side (radial) play even on a new turbo, but there should be basically zero in-and-out (axial) play.

 

axial play or radial play? Generally journal bearing turbos will have some radial play, just enough to feel up and down, this play is taken up when oil is circulated around the bearing. They should hardly have any axial play at all, otherwise your thrust bearing is toast.

if you're really concerned, put a dial indicator on it and measure just how much play there is both in and out and up and down.

Edit: Arghx beat me to it, but yeah.

 

So basically it should be moving only up and down, not in and out! If so I am really happy with the kit I bought, because it certainly isn't moving in and out, but a slight bit up and down.

I just wanted to make sure the turbo wasn't defective, because the seller was great, he shipped it fast, it was well packed, and he answered every concerns I had. Thanks for your help, I'll now be able to thanks him accordingly.

On another note, if I want to polish/paint the turbo housing, can I take everything to pieces? Will there be any gaskets to change or I can take it to pieces without anything risks?

Thanks for your help.