turbo charger side to side end to end play - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-24-2004, 01:10 AM

I sold this used turbocharger to a guy he received it and was very unhappy and said that it has end to end play and .050 sided to side play. Well I have another one here just like it I spin it I pull I try and move it side to side I get a little end to end play. I then bang it on the table (dropped it) then sure enough there’s side to side play about .050. Any one have a better guess than banging it loosened up some coking on the bearings that. was not so bad as to interfere with hand spin test. But the worn bearing was being shimmed by the burnt oil residue. Or is it a case whenever you bang the unit the rotating shaft can slide off the bearing surface and the unit are fine when you spool it up it will ride right back to its proper running position with no side to side movement. When checking for play how hard should you pull out push in? How hard should you push sideways or pull side ways on the impeller?
Thanks for any help
Dave S

Mr. FancyPants · #2 08-24-2004, 01:48 AM

I'm no expert on turbos, but depending on the amount of free-play, it may, or may not, play a pivotable role in any case. However, my best guess is that any amount of free-play that is detectable to the human hand, such as in a our MB turbos, I would be concerned!

Don't know if what you sold is good dry-goods, or fly-bywhimm thoughts? Are you prepaired to give his money back if it's not worth zilch to him, being worn out, or worthless to him, or anybody who isn't skilled in rebuilding such?

If you charged him a bundle than he should expect worthiness! If he got it at a give-away price, than he should have no gripe!

wolf_walker · #3 08-24-2004, 01:59 AM

I pulled a turbo off the shelf that had play that feels like mine and had the old fellow at work that wrenches on semi's and has been doing so twice as long as I've been alive feel it. He said it was just fine unless you hear it scraping when you turn it with force applied either direction. That may be a little backyard, but it's hard to fault his track record...

#4 08-24-2004, 02:11 AM

He paid well the ad said it should be considered a core. But I said there was no detectable play and there is and with another turbo I can recreate a scenario where by banging one then checking play it is quite noticeable. But if you spin it for a bit there is no play again unless you use Considerable force. I will of course refund his money including shipping or pay for a rebuild kit his option and the kit cost two thirds of what he paid.
Dave S

Old300D · #5 08-24-2004, 01:52 PM

Unless the side-side play will allow the blades to contact the housing, it's not a serious condition. The turbo is balanced and will not go off center. Obviously if the guy bought it expecting no play, he has a right to be dissatisfied, but on a used turbo, a small amount is no big deal.