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Shaft Play Question...

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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 02:42 AM
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Default Shaft Play Question...

Im about to buy a used sts kit, but the seller has informed me that there is a little bit of shaft play on the exhaust side. He tells me that it moves back and fourth about the thickness of a credit card.

Is this normal? OR is this a problem? Does the turbo need rebuilt or what?
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 10:17 AM
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I put a used garrett to4b/t3 on my cousins jetta. Anyway it had alot of shaft play, up and down ,as well as in and out. You need to make sure the fins dont rub the housing as mine didnt. this turbo hit 15 psi no problems. What I cant answer yet is how it will run with new turbo, maybe it will gain some. However to answer your question, ours works fine with alot of shaft play.
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 10:58 AM
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If may work alright for a short time but if it has play it is no longer balanced which in the long run it will destroy itself by vibration.

If you insist on purchasing this turbo(for a very reduced price) I would definately rebuild it if it can be rebuilt!
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 12:10 PM
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Well Im getting the turbo for an extra $100 so is this a good deal or what? Also he said the fins DO NOT rub on the housing.
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 12:12 PM
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get the turbo, a major rebuild should only be $200-300.
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 01:44 PM
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Side to side play is fine and should be there. I think the acceptable tolerance is .018-.022 which feels like a lot (about the thickness of a match book cover), and is necessary for the style of floating journal bearing they use. As log as it not rubbing the housing, your good
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 04:07 PM
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My ST80 had a LOT of shaft play so I sent it back to be examined. Even before I sent it back to them.....they assured me it was normal, when there is no oil pressure to help firm the shaft up.

Of course, it was fine upon their inspection. Haven't got it back on yet.
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 10:43 AM
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When a turbo is dry, and especially when new or after a rebuild it will have shaft play. The oil when pressured is what holds the bearings and firms up the shaft. The ball bearing turbos are what will not have much play at all. If they do then you would need to be concerned.
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 08:08 PM
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Great info, I feel better.
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