Permissible and Impermissible Turbo Shaft Play

Permissible and Impermissible Turbocompressor Play: What You Need to Know

TL;DR: Radial play is normal and must remain within 0.02–0.10 mm. Axial play is not permissible: even 0.01 mm indicates a fault. “Finger tests” or eyeballing distort the assessment — use precise measuring instruments.

Understanding permissible and impermissible turbocompressor play is critical for reliable operation. It is important to remember that measuring play “by eye” or with a finger is impermissible and incorrect. Radial play is completely normal and necessary for proper operation, as it allows an oil film to form, reducing friction and ensuring long-term durability of components. However, accurate measurement of radial and axial play is only possible with specialized tools.

Checking play with a finger can lead to an incorrect assessment of the turbocompressor’s condition and to ignoring important service signals. Consult specialists or use precise measuring devices for diagnostics.

Normal Values of Turbocompressor Play

• Radial play: permissible range is 0.02–0.10 mm.
• Axial play: axial play is not permissible. Even a minimal deviation of 0.01 mm can indicate a fault.

Type of play	Permissible range	Notes
Radial	0.02–0.10 mm	Required for oil-film formation; exceeding may indicate bearing wear
Axial	0.00 mm	Not permissible; even 0.01 mm is a fault indicator

Types of Turbocompressor Play

• Radial play — shaft movement perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Radial play is a necessary and permissible phenomenon. It provides the clearance required for an oil film that protects components from wear. The permissible radial play is 0.02–0.10 mm. Exceeding these values may indicate bearing wear or other issues requiring diagnostics.
• Axial play — shaft movement along the axis of rotation. Axial play is not permissible at all. Even a minimal deviation of 0.01 mm may indicate serious turbocompressor problems. If axial play is detected, immediate intervention is required, as further operation can lead to failure.

How to Check Turbocompressor Play Correctly

• Accurate measurement of radial and axial play requires specialized tools such as micrometers and dial indicators. A “finger test” cannot provide accuracy and may lead to an incorrect condition assessment.
• Radial play is measured with micrometers to precisely determine the clearance between the shaft and the housing.
• Axial play is checked with indicators that detect minimal shaft deviations relative to the axis.

1. Preparation: clean the turbocompressor; prepare tools (micrometer, dial indicator).
2. Measure radial play: secure the housing, measure shaft displacement and record the result in millimetres.
3. Check axial play: if you detect any movement along the axis (≥ 0.01 mm), stop operation and contact a specialist.

When to Contact a Specialist

• If inspection shows that radial play exceeds permissible values or axial play is detected, contact specialists immediately. Do not attempt to fix the issue yourself — this may lead to more serious damage.
• Contact BR TURBO — specialists with over 25 years of experience in turbocompressor repair. We help prevent costly failures and ensure long-term, reliable engine operation. Trust diagnostics and repair to our experts — we know how to do it correctly and to a high standard.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

• Can play be assessed with a finger? No. A finger test distorts the assessment; use a micrometer and a dial indicator.
• What is the permissible radial play? 0.02–0.10 mm to enable oil-film formation and reduce wear.
• Is axial play permissible? No. Axial play is a fault indicator; even 0.01 mm requires intervention.
• When should I contact BR TURBO? Immediately if radial play exceeds 0.10 mm or if any axial play is detected.

Summary:

Regular inspection of the turbocompressor and timely consultation with specialists are the key to long and efficient vehicle operation. If you suspect a turbocompressor fault, do not delay your visit to BR TURBO! We will help keep your car in excellent condition.

Updated: 2025-10-14 • Author: BR TURBO