Removin the actuator takes about 2 minutes if you don't have your heatshield on. If you have your heatshield, it takes about 4 minutes
Basically, you undo the 2 bolts holding it onto the turbo. They are 13 mm from memory.
Then, you undo the e clip. The way I do it, is I use a flat head screw driver, and just push it slowly. Try not to drop it, because it's small. Your turbo might not even have one.
I'm not sure why dale found preload on the shaft, on about 10 of the last turbos i've taken an actuator off, i've never needed to do anything other than unbolt it, undo the e clip, then the actuator could be lifted off with the strength of 1 finger.