X Axis Binding - Replace Bearings or Something Else?  

RE: X Axis Binding - Replace Bearings or Something Else?

If the bearings are too far gone then yes you will need to replace them. However when re-lubricating you pack the bearings themselves with grease, you don’t grease the rails as that doesn’t do too much. The bearings have seals that keep stuff in and out so you need to put it into the bearings. Oiling the rods with a light oil and working it past the seal is a temporary stop gap measure though that can work for awhile. 

RE: X Axis Binding - Replace Bearings or Something Else?

I pulled the extruder off again and the bearings seem fine to me.  I don't have a frame of reference for them feeling perfect, but they don't seem to bind and all 3 seem to work fine. 

Now I'm thinking maybe the stepper motor is bad, because it seems to move smoothly until I connect the belt. Is there any way to directly test the motor?

RE: X Axis Binding - Replace Bearings or Something Else?

@cbryancan

Have you checked the idler bearing?

Cheerio,

RE: X Axis Binding - Replace Bearings or Something Else?

@diem

Thanks for the suggestion.  I just checked and it feels completely smooth. 

I took the stepper off today and when I spin it in my hand it slightly "catches" in a couple of spots. Nothing I can't push past, but not totally smooth. So I'm hoping replacing the stepper fixes this.