X axis bearing failure already?  

RE: X axis bearing failure already?

I do not think that noise is bearing noise. I have 2 MK3S, one with an MMU2S, and a MINI. I have heard this kind of vibrating noise on all of them at some point, especially on the MMU2S one. No amount of repacking the grease in the bearings seemed to help. What did help tremendously is isolating the printer from the work surface. I used a thin layer of high-density open cell foam underneath a heavy concrete paver stone you can get for around $7.00 at the home store. This has really quieted the printers and the only thing you can hear is the cooling fan blowing. I think the vibration noise is coming from a part that is not tight, like the ball in the filament sensor or gears, etc.

RE: X axis bearing failure already?

Exact same sound on my printer. Almost from when it was new. It is bearing for sure. 

RE: X axis bearing failure already?

Hi, My first post on the forum. I've been running my Prusa Mini (first 3D printer) since putting it together yesterday. So far so good except the same noise shown in the clip. I've listened very carefully and it's definitely coming from the X axis idler bearing. I don't hold much hope for the bearing lasting much longer.

RE: X axis bearing failure already?

@stu

Ha! I suspect the same. It is coming from end of X axis, not carriage. I am not sure if it is idler bearing or belt rubbing against something. 

RE: X axis bearing failure already?

The sound coming from the end of the X-axis is a chirping sound. It seems likely to be the bearing itself but could also be from the way the bearing & pulley are mounted.

I contacted Prusa support on chat. I gave a link to this discussion and the video showing the sound. They were very good and will be sending a replacement bearing. I'll report back once fitted.

RE: X axis bearing failure already?

Today I received the bearings from Prusa by courier. Very efficient!

Despite the chat discussion about the idler pulley they sent a set of linear bearings. No pulley or roller bearing in the box.

Luckily I had a friend, who is more experienced in 3D printers, who replaced the idler pulley for me out of his box of spares. It's not clear if the old bearing was faulty or the pulley was rubbing. He cleaned up the plastic either side and lubricated either side of the pulley just to be sure.

The printer is now making a fraction of the noise it did before. Unbelievable. It's a remarkably quiet printer. I'm very happy now.

RE: X axis bearing failure already?

@stu

Good you have it OK now. I shook black shavings out of X plastic end, I assume from belt. Will have to check it further and adjust idler.

RE: X axis bearing failure already?

Finally got around to replacing the x-axis bearings.  It was definitely those that were causing the majority of the noise. I did notice that the the idler bearing is causing some noise as well.  I’ve located NTC and SKF replacement for both.  Think I am going to order to have them on standby.  I also noticed that the idler axel is using a screw, it should be a solid 3mm pin or shoulder screw. Again I am going to order those to have them on standby.  You should never have a bearing spin on a thread.