When is it time to replace a stepper?
Do you guys have advice or experience to share on when one needs to replace a stepper? My extruder stepper is starting to make weird noises, very high pitch screeching. I print off and on but when I do, it is weeks non-stop. So are these dying screams or just a new charming quark of my aging MK? BTW, seems to prints just fine.
MK2S kit owner since 8/15/2017
RE: When is it time to replace a stepper?
Stepper motors are very reliable because of their simplicity. I would suspect the Bondtech gears or their shafts as the source of the screeching. Maybe a small drop of oil will help.
Steve
RE: When is it time to replace a stepper?
Thanks for input Steven. You're right of course, steppers are usually the last thing to fail. Turns out, I didn't quite reassemble my printer correctly. Deviating from the manual specifically step 31, I installed a set of ultra thin PTFE washer thinking this would remove play and allow for smoother idler movement. I was very very wrong. PTFE acted more like glue due to imprint traction of 3D printed part texture locking the idler in place when screw is secured. This meant, the pretensioner screw did nothing for filament traction...and more specifically, it allowed the spring to rattle around, this being the irritating screeching noise.
I've since...
- Loosened the Idler's retention screw a little
- Removed one of my mod PTFE washers (the 3D printed part to 3D printed part side)
- Ensured free movement of the idler (as per manual)
- Screwed in the pretentioner screw tighter since it is now doing its job
- Verified the idler bulges out when filament is loaded
- Oiled the idler's gear bearings (hat tip Steven)
Result on next print.
- Far less screeching during extrusions
- No more weird extruder feed kickback on first layer smash
- Cold pull are possible again
MK2S kit owner since 8/15/2017
RE: When is it time to replace a stepper?
Cool. Glad it is working for you.
Steve