Radial/axial play, how much is ok without leaks?

[svenakela]

When I disassembled my 1Z yesterday I noticed a uge play in the turbo shaft, both radial and axial. We're talking a lot here. Like, you can move it by hand and measure the movement by eye. I have another turbo and it has less play (uge difference) so it's not a problem for me to just replace them. But has anyone experience or knowledge how much play there can be without becoming a leaking problem?
A friend of mine said the original turbo's can be rattleing like h*ll with no problem, this one is really rattleing though...

[svenakela]

Uhhmmm, sorry for replying on my own post. Talking to myself...
I've read http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=21899.0 and my turbo has a lot of axial, Libby's post says that's a no-no.

[redneck_vdub]

From what I know and what I've heard, there can NO play at all.

[famous phil]

  Hi,     Sven there should only be noticeable radial play in that type of turbo , because the main spindle floats in the oil that is forced to the bearings ( bronze bushes ) ,  I've found the same type ( is it KKK K14 or Garret T2 ?  )  with lots of play in the spindles but the impellers weren't catching and only little oil in the intercooler pipes , I'm sure I noticed rebuild kits on Ebay not too long ago   

[svenakela]

Hmm.. good idea. eBay is my friend nowadays. The local dealer wanted €700 for a replacement turbo. I said "Okay bye bye".
I think it's a KKK, will check that up and go for eBay.

[famous phil]

  I'm thinking that the 1Z might use a slightly smaller unit , the KKK's I mentioned are fitted to AAZ's  2.5TDi's and PSA XUD9 engines 

[svenakela]

It says Made in France and "T15". It better be a Garrett T15 then.


BTW, got a nice visitor today with a nice TDI's camper:
http://switchamotor.blogspot.com/2010/05/david-visiting-soon-of-to-cape-town.html

[Wingaman]

Yes it's a GT15 from Garrett, it's smaller than a K03 from KKK.

[svenakela]

Yep, I found it via the ID-number as well.
Turbo for Ford and VAG diesel with turbocharger Garret GT1544S OEM 454083-0001/-0002

[rallydiesel]

If there was no play at all, the shaft would bind as the turbo heats up and expands.

[superspringer]

The tolerance of radial play on the shaft of a GT15 such as that is 10-20 thou, measured at the compressor end. Axial play is 1-4 thou.
If you say it measureable by eye then sounds like the unit is pooped! It is worth stripping the unit down though to ascertain the cause of failure - contrary to popular belief a turbocharger very rarely grenades when it feels like its had enough, 99.99% of the time there is a clear to see cause of failure. And more often than not it is oil related (either contamination or interruption of supply)
Adam

[svenakela]

Thanks guys. I've found a rebuild kit on eBay, it's not much money so I think it's worth it anyway.

--S

[svenakela]

Too much work, didn't really have time to make a follow up. Anyway, I did the rebuild yesterday and oh yes my turbo did need som love and care.
It was pretty obvious it was leaking oil when I got it off the engine.


The radial play is a lot better, of course there is some but I need to use a lot more force to move it. The axial play is totally gone.
More text and images at http://switchamotor.blogspot.com/2010/06/turbo-rebuild-last-night_24.html

[Rabbit on Roids]

my GT17 has a butt load of play too, but it still boosts fine, and doesnt leak. but i know it could use some new wheels and bearings. it tops out at about 20 psi now, used to make 35+ psi with retarded timing when i first put it on. but it still spools fairly low, and no run away..