I had the air intake tube off installing my block heater cord and was checking out the turbo and noticed that the silencer ring was creased and the clip was not in the groove completely. It looks like someone removed it and then reinstalled it improperly. I went ahead and removed it but could this have caused problems?

 

If it was just the ring that was damaged then there is no issue. However, I would be curious as to what caused the damage and determine if there really is something else to worry... check all your inducer blades carefully and shaftplay... if that is good, then you should be golden.

 

Checked the blades and shaft, they are good. No side to side play and very little in and out. I am still looking for a boost leak but I don't think that has anything to do with it.