Lot of good info on here, should be no end float whatsoever, being able to move the shaft axial doesn’t mean it’s shagged. On a brand new one you can move the shaft up enough to jam it and stop it turning, but that’s normally because you’re forcing it against the bearing. They are designed to float on a cushion of oil so this is a bad idea - also why you should let a turbo idle down before stopping the engine. What you might think is evidence that the vanes have hit the housing is normally dust erosion. Rounded vanes are also down to fine dust erosion, don’t matter how regular you change filters this happens on an old turbo.
Get hold of the nut Holding the impeller and spin it without pushing it sideways. If it drags, it’s shagged. End of. If it spins freely, it’s doing the same when you blow exhaust through it. I suggest checking all of your induction hoses and the condition of your air filter first. Start easy And work up.
