Printer making squeaking noises
Hello,
I've had my MK3S set up for about a month now, and today it has started making squeaking noises while it prints. To my untrained ear, I think it sounds like a bearing needing oil, but it seems like this is too soon to need oil. Could the bearings on the Y axis be too tight? Or is it something else that I'm missing?
Best Answer by rmm200:
The Y axis uses awful (technical term) U bolts. They are really easy to get too tight, and crush the bearing. There are some good printed ones on Thingiverse.
Loosen the bolts, and tighten just enough to hold the bearings. Also check the idler pulley. It has a bearing that might need a little oil. Check the pulley on the stepper motor and make sure it is positioned correctly - and tight.
Check for any untrimmed or mis-positioned zip ties. Nothing can hit anything else.
Maybe grease the bearings while you are in there.
RE: Printer making squeaking noises
I started to get a squeak. It turned out to be the filament spool on its holder.
i3 Mk3 [aug 2018] upgrade>>> i3MK3/S+[Dec 2023]
RE: Printer making squeaking noises
Turn off power and move both X and Y both directions. Feel for binding.
If either is not smooth at any point, come back for more advice.
Also, if a little oil on the rod quiets the squeaking - you have identified a bearing that really needs grease. Oil is not a "fix".
RE: Printer making squeaking noises
Ok, I unplugged it and moved the Y axis, and it is definitely catching in a few places.
I forgot to mention that this started after I tightened the Y axis pulley, as I was starting to get layer skips and the belt status was at 290 for the Y axis (x was at 260). I loosened it a bit, still tighter than it was before I tightened it in the first place, and it has now failed the self test because of a loose Y axis pulley. The bed moved on the Y axis a little better than before, but there were still places where it was catching.
RE: Printer making squeaking noises
The Y axis uses awful (technical term) U bolts. They are really easy to get too tight, and crush the bearing. There are some good printed ones on Thingiverse.
Loosen the bolts, and tighten just enough to hold the bearings. Also check the idler pulley. It has a bearing that might need a little oil. Check the pulley on the stepper motor and make sure it is positioned correctly - and tight.
Check for any untrimmed or mis-positioned zip ties. Nothing can hit anything else.
Maybe grease the bearings while you are in there.
RE: Printer making squeaking noises
I cleaned all the smooth rods and applied some of the grease that ships with the printer, then ran the bearings over it (not the best application method, I know, but disassembling the whole thing to do it properly is unappealing at the moment. Will probably do that when I replace the U-bolts with the printed parts).
It sounds better, but the U-bolts are rattling a bit - they're probably too loose now.
I am going to attempt to print the u bolt wrench so I can fix it without taking off the bed, will see how it goes.
For when I get to it, is this a recommended u bolt replacement?
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3166584
Thanks for your help!
RE: Printer making squeaking noises
The one you link looks good. Another to consider is:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2830466
On any Thingiverse object - read the comments. And maybe correct object errors with 3D Builder.
Really - I think anything is better than the U Bolts.