[Vwdiesel] Downpipe Exhaust Leak WAS: Is my turbo shot? broken? or should...

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/3/2010 4:30:43 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
brian at gochnauer.net writes:

> 
> There really shouldn't be *any* play in the turbine wheel.
> Except for maybe 1/32 (push-in / pull-out) horizontal play, barely
> detectable.
> Sounds shot if you have anything close to 1/8"; in any direction

  I've checked brand new (rebuilt) ones that "felt" like close to 1/8 inch 
of 
side to side play.  Seemed excessive from everything you always hear 
but it was from a good rebuilder, fine, etc.  Same with ones I rebuilt.  
Seemed excessive but new bearings, shaft wasn't worn etc.  The in/out 
wear will let them hammer themselves apart apparently.  There are two 
surfaces, on each end of the shaft that get .0005 to .001 (guessing) of oil 

with only 3" between  them.  That allows for some wobble.  Not a lot when 
wet but very noticeable when dry or drained out.
  I'd say it's possibly bad but a worn one looks precariously close to the 
housing 
at each end of its wobble.
    Loren