Shaft play

i was Just wondering how much side to side turbo compressor shaft play you guys deem acceptable. I got my 18g and I tested it and I can move it side to side a bit I'm guessing a bout 5mm. I know the real answer is its only a problem when it starts scraping against the compressor housing but what I want to know is if theres a general agreement on how much is too much.
thanks in advance.

I dont think mine moves more than 2mm or so. 5mm is a good bit of play, sounds like the turbo will be needing a rebuild pretty soon in the future. I would expect it to smoke some also.

Didn't you just get that turbo Steviek?

Yes I belive he got it about a week ago

Awwww dude. Yeah, it should barely click back and forth man. When I had mine out I didnt measure it but it was I'd say that it was for sure no more than 1-2mm.

Garrett, sounds like you and me need to go to Minot and do work.

Garrett, sounds like you and me need to go to Minot and do work.

You driving? Pick me up along the way.

Actually its not as bad as I thought. I think I was just over paranoid having never bought a used one before. I got 2 unbiased opinions who judged it to be no more than 2mm. I tried to measure but its just too difficult with such small increments. I think it should be ok. I'm not going to put it on till it warms up a bit. Working on the car in the cold is a bitch as I'm sure most of you know. I will update you when I get some real driving with it.
One thing I will be able to tell for sure is if I'm making any more airflow. As I sift through my logs the most I have ever really pushed is 39.2lbs/min. I'm hoping for a realistic 42 but would be estatic if I could make 45. Only logs and time will tell.

Do you have a way of taking a vid?

nah my camera is broke only records sound :@

sweet! 18g! wanna see a before and after log with link... ;)

It's amazing how much thrust play a turbo can have and still "work." Only problem is once the shaft play is "bad," it continues to wear itself out at a good rate until it's gone. Glad to hear yours turned out ok.