y axis bearing noise at initial assembly
I'm just finished step 27 of the y axis assembly and when moving the carriage back and forth there's a scratchy noise although the carriage moves smoothly. This noise just doesn't seem right. Although the manual says the bearings have been lubricated do I really need to clean and lubricate the bearings? Here's a video of the noise:
RE: y axis bearing noise at initial assembly
Dry bearings for sure. Yes - the bearings MUST be lubricated before installation. Misumi's recommendation: Clean in a degreaser and use White Lithium Grease #2. Most of us swirl new bearings in a small pot of alcohol - air dry with canned or compressed air.
Prusa has been saying this but about not needing to do the lube bearings since day one. And users pay the price with seized bearings, ruined rods, and all sorts of other problems dry bearings cause.
RE: y axis bearing noise at initial assembly
It's an error in the manual. The bearings used to come greased. Now they don't.
RE: y axis bearing noise at initial assembly
Do yourself a favour and use the mehod recommended to me by Prusa.
Soak/wash the bearings in 99% IPA, dry completely and then mark as per the manual.
Squirt some grease into the bearing (I found around half full to be about right) while keeping your thumb pressed on the end to form a seal push the rod in perfectly straight and with firm pressure, this forces the grease into the ball races and packs correctly. Dont over pack it. I had the same issue and this worked a treat.
I have attached the misumi install manual, recommended grease S2 I used superlube, but the prusa grease would be fine.
Tank you very much!
RE: y axis bearing noise at initial assembly
thanks a lot for the feedback. really appreciate it. cleaned and greased the bearings this morning. wish Prusa would update the manual. Would have saved some time. Just glad I didn't get any farther in the assembly.
RE: y axis bearing noise at initial assembly
It's an error in the manual. The bearings used to come greased. Now they don't.
As far as I know, Prusa has NEVER shipped bearings that were pre-lubricated. They have always maintained the shipping oil - an anti-rust preservative - was "lubricant" - which it is not. Earlyon I spoke with tech support about this, and they were adamant - despite the bearing manufacturer clearly stating the stuff in those litttle bags the bearings ship in is only to keep the bearings from rusting. Worst part, and why I was appalled, is that when I cleaned my second set of "Prusa" bearings, I had metal particles come out in the wash: explaining why my first set of bearings wore out in weeks.
RE: y axis bearing noise at initial assembly
Here's what I am using to lube the bearings...
RE: y axis bearing noise at initial assembly
Great find, Tim. Thx.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog