I just bought a used low mile gt35r and I assumed a ball bearing turbo would have 0 play but it has a little side and a little end play, it feels like a nice tight journal bearing turbo is that about right? It had a earls oil filter on the feed line it but had two motors gernade on it with a bunch of engine bearings on the one. What do you think?

 

That is a little suspect for that cartridge. the best thing to do is to use a dial gauge and inspect it in two specific places on the turbine shaft. The axial movement (in & out play), and radial movement (side to side play)

To measure the axial movement of the turbine shaft, position a dial indicator gauge against the end of the shaft at the turbine end, and push against the compressor end of the shaft. Axial play shold not ex .002in (0.07mm)

To measure readial movement, place the gauge through the oil inlet hole and against the shaft. rotate the turbine shaft and observe any fluctuations. Jiggle the shaft up and down, back and forth, while observing the dial gauge. Radial play shouldn't exceed 0.004in (0.15mm)

Once you do that, check the residual oil from the turbocharger from metal shavings and FOD.

That's really the best you can do to check.. Taking it apart is not an option in this case, as you will destroy the specific tolerances of it.

 

thanks!! I'll take it to work towmorrow and measure it.