On the exhaust side of the turbo I can move the screw side to side? Is that normal..I know I've heard that a little movment is ok ..but how do you know when it's too much?

 

what do you mean by "the screw?" Do you mean that nut thats on the exhaust wheel? If you can move that wheel side to side, you need a rebuild! And not a cheap one at that.. probably exchanging the mid section and getting a new wheel if the shaft is damaged enough.

 

Which side is supposed to have a little play in it? I know for one of the sides that is normal? So there should be no movement at all is what you're saying!

 

there should be minimun movent on both the exhaust and compressor sides. Each side should be within give spec. if it has excessive play i would reccommend a rebuild which will cost approx 200 bucks.

 

so should I assume that as long as the fins don't touch ANY side of the turbo outlet that it should still be fine?

 

no, because when it's under operation, the amount of force exherted when spinning is far greater than what your hands can push on the thrust bearings. Just get it rebuilt, and speak with your turbo specialist on perhaps upgrading the turbo at the same time.