I just got a supposedly slighty used gt2871r off ebay. I've heard ball bearing turbos are supposed to have almost zero shaft play. Mine has play both back and forth and up and down. I even put some oil in it to see if it would eliminate the play, but it still was about the same. It doesn't hit the housings or anything, but I'm kind of worried about how long its gonna last. Should I take my chances with it or try to send it back to the guy?

if you're talking more than an 1/8inch play...send it back

I know a couple of my buddies have very slight play in their ball bearing turbos. If it seems excessive though, I would send it back as well.

I have a gt2871r as well and it had some shaft play from the factory. It concerned me at first because I expected virtually none. The shaft play i had is what you are calling up and down play, but I didn't have any of the back and forth play. Do you have any other turbos to compare it to or any other experience with other turbos to compare it to? Either way, I guess, I would do what nismo94 suggested and send it back if you think its excessive.

It's to late for you now but a turbo is high on my list of things to never, ever buy used.