MK3 y-axis linear bearing clicking noise- Solved (!?)
After about 10 hrs of usage, my new MK3S+ printer (kit) started making clicking noises during y-axis moves. The noise was kinda like flicking a soda can. It got worse over time and eventually it was clicking several times during each y-axis movement. I lubed the bearing and re-adjusted the rods, but that was only a temporary fix as the clicking would soon return. The rod ended up with a black greasy buildup near the ends and several scratches in the middle.
Prusa sent me a new y-axis rod and bearing kit. After installation using the y-axis adjustment procedure, all seemed well After about 10 hours of usage, the clicking noise started up again. Ugh.
I used a caliper to measure the parallel distance between the y-axis rods at the front and back. They differed by 0.01inch despite having repeated the y-axis rod holder setup procedure. I removed the front right plastic rod holder and filed away some of the plastic on the "knob" that sticks down into the structural rail. I figured this would give more freedom of adjustment to allow a better setup procedure.
This did the trick, and after the y-axis setup procedure, the parallel distance between the rods matched front and back, and the clicking immediately stopped. An imperfection on the fwd/RH plastic rod holder had been keeping the setup procedure from working properly.
Hopefully this will be a long term solution!
Lessons learned-
1) New bearings don't click, despite being out of alignment. They will click later when they are worn in.
2) It would be good to measure the parallelism of the y-axis rods during the assembly and setup procedure.
3) If they are not parallel, follow the procedure outlined above to tweak the fwd RH plastic rod holder.
Cheers!
RE: MK3 y-axis linear bearing clicking noise- Solved (!?)
Thanks for the update.
10 thousandths of an inch, is not a large deviation. but as you have shown. it obviously makes a difference.
(Just being nosey) did you use vernier calipers to measure? or are you lucky enough to have a monster size Micrometer? or something else?
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: MK3 y-axis linear bearing clicking noise- Solved (!?)
I used a cheap 6 inch digital caliper that resolves to 0.01 inch. The caliper is unable to reach between the y-axis rods (~6.25 inch), so I supplemented the reach with a small polished plastic cube. The setup worked well enough to tell me that the rods were not parallel and that I needed to investigate why.
Now that I think about it, an imperfection in either the front RH or front LH plastic rod support clamp would cause the rods to not be parallel. I just focused on tweaking the RH clamp to correct the situation.
RE: MK3 y-axis linear bearing clicking noise- Solved (!?)
Cheers, I was wondering, because my vernier won't open that large either!
for a ten yhou difference it probably doesnt matter which side you adjust
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK