X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy  

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

Could you post a picture of the pully on the x axis motor please. All your video shows is the idler end and not the motor end. 

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@neophyl

Sure. Here it is:

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

Thanks 🙂  That rules out one possibility.  Check the simple things first, you would be surprised at how many people fit the motor pullys on back to front and so get squeeking belts.  Given the noise from your video and that it does seem to be coming from the idler then my best guess is that the bearings inside that have gone.  While that doesn't seem to be common I have seen a few posts where that has happened to people.

To confirm you could add a few drops of a light oil (sewing machine/knife oil/3-in-1) and see if the noise goes away.  Although getting the oil in there without removing the idler is probably not possible.  At least you dont have to dismantle anything to much to get it out and put it back.  If it is the pully bearings then new pulleys are relatively cheap.

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@neophyl

I actually tried to lubricate idler from the out without removing but it didn't work. Now I understand why 😀 I'll dismantle the right side of the axis to reach idler and I'll lubricate it today as you suggested. I'll let you know if it works or not. Thank you so much! That was really helpful

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

If I wanted to get to the idler I’d loosen off the belt and remove it from the motor pulley. Then you can remove the bolt holding the idler and pull it out towards the extruder using the toothed belt.  Lubricate or replace and then reverse to put it back in. 

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@fernwehmind So what happened? Im having these exact noises on a brand new build. I cleaned and packed the bearings with Super Lube as I usually do (this is my third i3 MK3S build) and Im getting that creaking/cracking sound from the x-axis bearings and the high pitched squeaking from the x-axis pully/bearing housing 623h. Were you able to get yours fixed?

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@ben_r_

Hi, 
Sorry for the quite late reply but I couldn't fix it, the same noise always there. In addition to that I'm getting high pitched squeaking noise from x axis as well and that is quite annoying because that's loud enough to make me uncomfortable. I hope you found a fix for these noises until now.

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

Contact Prusa via the shop chat.  

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

Posted by: @onur-inci

@ben_r_

Hi, 
Sorry for the quite late reply but I couldn't fix it, the same noise always there. In addition to that I'm getting high pitched squeaking noise from x axis as well and that is quite annoying because that's loud enough to make me uncomfortable. I hope you found a fix for these noises until now.

No worries, I know how life goes! I actually ended up contacted Prusa and they had to send me replacement bearings and a new rod. Been fine since.

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@onur-inci

Your motor pulley actually looks very close to the motor, make sure there is a gap

Make sure the belt is not rubbing on the hole it runs through the red end caps.

Also make sure the idler screw is not too tight, the pulley must be able to spin freely.

Finally check the belt is not rubbing on anything, should run straight and not rub use the motor pulley to adjust.

Check the belt ends were pushed in correctly to the carriage as well as this can alter the belt path.

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

As a trick I found for the idler pulley (without a full Z disassembly to get to the screw) : canned dry lubricant. The stuff with a teflon powder in a volatile solution for bicycle parts, and a rag.  Tuck the rag around the axis plastic, insert the spray nozzle tube so it is pointing at the side of the idler, and squeeze. The overspray is contained and at least some lubricant gets to where it is needed. Then wipe off any places the spray leaked to, spin the idler to distribute the lube, and then let things dry out.

For safety - I remove the print sheet and hide it in a corner before doing this.

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@onur-inci

And - I finally broke down and listened to the X video ... that clicking and squeaking sounds more like assembly problems than a dry bearing problem.  There are now belt tension gauges that Prusa has designed for the belts. They require Prusament PETG to print. Or you can order them.

Or, do the deflection test. Belt tension is important, and there is a point where being too tight is a problem and will damage things like motor bearings.   I'm attaching my work on deflection measurements. You only need something that weighs 200 grams, a good ruler, and some patience.

Belt Tension Calculations

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

And another request: take photos of the extruder - the two belt pathways - use lots of light and get a good focus, and post them here.  

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@tim-2

Hi,

Thank you very much for the tips, really appreciate it! 
I took the photos as you requested. I know they are not the best but this is all I can do. I hope this helps. 

https://imgur.com/a/hTjRnwY

As for the lubrication idler pulley, I'll definitely buy a canned dry lubricant and apply your steps to lubricate the idler. I think this is the product that you are talking about.
But I think the noise is coming from the idler that is pushing to the plastic part attached to it. Looks like the sounds coming from there.
I mean looks like idler pulley is not spinning freely. Maybe I tighten the idler screw too much, I don't know. 

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@clarmrrsn

I've widened the gap of the motor pulley as you suggested. The sound isn't gone but maybe it helps in the future. Thanks.

I've taken some photos of idler pulley and belt alignment.
https://imgur.com/a/hTjRnwY

Looks like the bottom part of the belt is angled a bit so it's not completely straight. I think that's a problem?
I have a suspicion that I've tightened the idler screw too much so I'll try to loosen it and see how it affects the noise problem. 

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

I can’t see the whole thread right now on my cell.  Have you contacted support via chat?  

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@cwbullet

Yes, I've contacted support via chat several times in the past regarding these issues but their suggestions didn't help, unfortunately. And my warranty has been expired right now. 

RE: X -axis squeaking and rubbing like a crazy

@onur-inci

Yes, you can overtighten the idler pully screw. This will cause you some issues beyond noise. During assembly, I always spin the pulley before moving on, just to make sure it spins free. 

I was hoping to see a photo of what in is the lower gap on the extruder. Are any wires in contact with the belt anywhere in the belt path? Nothing should contact the belt when everything is properly installed. And on the drive gear - I presume one of the set screw is on the shaft flat. And that you tightened the screws flat first.