A variable-nozzle turbocharger (10) includes a cartridge containing a variable vane mechanism connected between the center housing (20) and the turbine housing (24). The cartridge comprises an annular nozzle ring (38) supporting an array of rotatable vanes, an insert having a tubular portion sealingly received into the bore of the turbine housing and having a nozzle portion extending radially out from one end of the tubular portion and being axially spaced from the nozzle ring with the vanes therebetween, and a plurality of spacers connected between the nozzle portion of the insert and the nozzle ring. The turbine housing (24) has a surface that directly contacts a surface of the nozzle ring (38) that axially faces the insert for axially locating the nozzle ring relative to the turbine housing.; A radial gap is defined between the turbine housing and the nozzle ring to allow radial movement of the nozzle ring relative to the turbine housing (24).
