I have a spare TD04 turbo and realised there is a small amount of play in the shaft. The play wasn't obvious at first but now I can feel about 1mm side to side movement.

Is this normal and would this play affect how the car ran at all?
Thanks

 

Play in the shaft if essential due to the shaft being housed by the bearings it need this clearance to flow a sufficient amount of oil other wise you will have seized bearings. . The play will reduce once the turbo reaching is desired oil pressure and temperature the same principle as any other part of the engine.

If the play is excessive you usually find it’s down to warn bearings on an “old turbo”, this will generally make the end float to great and the shaft will begin to come into contact with the housing etc and you will have a high pitch whine.


That may explain things then

 

cheers!! i like to read things like this as it has put my mind at rest too