This morning while installing the block heater cord on my 04.5 3500, I had the intake tube off for the first time since I bought the truck last March.
I noticed black soot looking stains ( wouldn't wipe off with my finger) on the turbo housing intake where the tubes clamp to, but on the inner lip, not where the tube sits.
I also found that I could wiggle the turbo shaft( center of fins with the small nut on it) about a 1/16 of an inch, maybe a hair more.
The turbo spins freely by hand, and there's no visible oil leakage.
Started the truck and its spinning true and centered.

How worried should I be??

 

Typically it's normal for the shaft to have a little radial (side to side) free play like you describe, as long as the impeller blade doesn't touch the housing. Axial (in and out) end play is usually a bad sign though.

 

* HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF*

Thanks Torquefan, There is NO axial play, so I guess Im ok...
in my 12 valve, there was No lateral play in the turbo, so I was afraid I was about to spend a lot of $$ that I dont have...

Also have been reading since I posted that, and apparently a little bit of soot staining on the turbo housing is normal "blow-back"

 

He gave solid info. Check the seal of your air filter. You may have been bypassing a small amount of unfiltered air which in turn we call dusting the turbo. How were the blades on the impeller? Any scarring?

If not, motor on with confidence.

 

As stated, a very minute amount of movement can be felt with the engine off. So long as the blades are not contacting the housing you're fine......the oil pressure with the engine running will absorb the play you felt and remove it.

 

You're welcome! I know a new turbocharger would be a pretty nasty unexpected bill to have to face right after Christmas.

 

None visible, they blades looked perfect, not shiney, but no knicks or anything.


Thanks for the info guys!!

 

Squared away, happy motoring. Also happy new year.

 

Thought I'd tag onto this thread I found on my search. I just had my intake tube off and I've got what looks like about 0.25mm of axial play and no noticable radial play. When I spin the turbo it feels very smooth but at one place in the rotation it is more difficult to spin. Not rough or draggy feeling just not as free. I'm spinning it with thumb and index finger (spinning it like a top) so I'm probably more sensitive to the feel than if i was batting at the fins to spin it.
Is this a reason to gear up for a rebuild?

I'm going to put a dial indicator on it tomorrow to get an exact play measurement.

 

Like said above, a little up and down is normal within certain spec.

In and out is no bueno. That is a thrust washer gone and will lead to premature failure.