Shaft play on brand new GT35R?
 

Hello,

I just received my car back from getting my engine rebuilt and new A-Spec GT35R kit installed.

Today I took my intake piping off to adjust it and decided to check the shaft play on the compressor wheel while it was off. I was kind of scared when I noticed a tiny bit of shaft play on the wheel - my new engine and turbo only have 300 miles on them.

I did some reading around the internet and a few people mentioned that this was normal because of the ball-bearings instead of normal journal bearings. Someone mentioned that the ball-bearings used oil pressure to stabilize the rotating assembly.

Does anyone know if this is true? If not, can anyone think of a reason as to why my brand new GT35r has developed shaft play after only 300 miles, and should I think about contacting Garrett/A-Spec for warranty service?

Also, can anyone with GT-series ball bearing turbos check the shaft play on their turbos for me?

Thanks!

Some shaft play is normal on that turbo.

Jason

It should be fine. I have seen them do the same thing.

YUP! seems that BB turbs have a slight end play but almost no radial play, sleeve bearings a slight radial play but no measurable end play, most likly you are fine! Ron

yup play is normal because there needs to be room for oil to get in between the shaft and bearings, what ever kind you have. other wise there would be constant metal on metal contact which is not the best thing for some thing that spins past 100k rpm

My GT28 on my miata had some play and it is totally fine.

And you are paranoid because of ...... ? Even your avatar looks that way!