A turbocharger actuator and method of calibrating for a variable nozzle turbocharger. Included are an actuator housing having a diaphragm connected across it, a piston, and a compression spring arranged to be generally centered in the actuator housing biasing the piston. Three rivets connect the actuator housing to a bracket. The diaphragm is crimped to connect to the actuator housing, which is coated with an elastomeric bead. The bracket includes three plate sections, the first having a plurality of rivet holes, and second two each having an elongated hole to receive an attachment bolt and allow sliding movement of the actuator assembly relative to the turbocharger housing.