How much drag is acceptable on a used turbo? Should the impellers spin freely, or have some drag on them?

And if there is some drag, is that an indication of needing bearings, or seal drag, or gummed up, or

 

The turbo should spin pretty freely, as long as it spins, and doesnt have massive shaft play In/out (and a little bit of up and down) you are probably fine.

Brand new turbos have a little bit of up and down shaft play. bout .3-4 thou..

 

well mine, when I spin the impeller, it turns, but not very long or easily. No shaft play or signs that the impellers have rubbed anything. I am thinking I need to go thru them just to be safe.

 

just slap it on....

 

werd.

It might be a bit 'sticky' but as long as you dont 'feel' it bind at all when you spin it, just put it on. Junkyard turbos are cheap *****, use'm up.