rsguy

quick question guys about a used turbo i bought

seller said turbo ran perfectly There is slight play in the shaft side to side and up and down but none in and out. Got told the side to side movement is from the turbo being A journal bearing type.

i have also noticed a slight honeing mark on the compressor housing under compressor wheel. ( lighter grey in colour to rest of houseing ) I’ve also been told thats normal caused due to starting the car from cold so no pressurised oil to centre the bearing.

im not sure how much all this is true as im no expert on turbos so just wanted to ask before i either keep it or send this back to seller.

i have attached a photo

and video link below of me moving the compressor wheel up/down and left/right.

Mad_Mat

Far to much movement bearings are shot imo. Any movement should be minimal.

Mad_Mat

I am no expert. Just a home bodger but definitely that is not good.

rsguy

ok thanks guys.

would you say looking at the video theres more than 1mm of play ?

reason i ask i spoke with guy from turbo technics and he said there should not be any more than 1mm play side to side or any direction.

thing is my old turbo has play so i only bought this used as seller said the turbos good and theres normal min play on this turbo. but turbo technics suggest it sounds worn.

i might as well get my old turbo refubed. so i dont see the point in keeping this. as sounds like i have 2 worn turbos now instead of one.

Mad_Mat

Yes it looks alot more than 1mm to me. If the bearings have enough wear that the compressor wheel is able to touch the housing they are totally shagged imo.

I am surprised no one else has chipped in with an opinion

stevieturbo

There are no signs of it touching the housing etc, it looks perfectly fine.

Journal bearing turbos will always have free play in them