X-axis ticking noise after 10d print time
Hi all,
i know this topic has been discussed on the forum before, but I have tried almost all proposed solutions to the problem (I think). My printer has been running smoothly since assembly. However after about 10 days of total printing time, I started noticing this sound: Youtube
I have tried the following:
- Clean and re-grease linear rods
- Loosen screws on the back of the x-carriage, making sure they do not squeeze the bearings
- Checked belt tension. Tried both increasing and decreasing the tensions, both did not help
- Checked GT-pulley alignment
Does anyone have anything else I could try?
Thanks in advance!
RE:
Sounds to me like one or more bearings are scratching the smooth rods. Did you simply grease the smooth rods without disassembling the X-axis ?. If so, the problem won't be resolved. The grease supplied by Prusa is too thick to pass inside because of the side covers of the bearings. Light oil, like the one used for sewing machines, will manage to enter inside and fix the issue, but just for a little while, because it doesn't lasts long.
I had a similar problem months ago and the only solution was to disassemble the X axis. My intention was just to repack the bearings with grease but, in the end, I replaced the two upper bearings with new ones because they were releasing a blackish powder. I expect that the balls were quite worn.
RE: X-axis ticking noise after 10d print time
Thanks for the reply! Indeed I only used the grease on the smooth rods, without applying it to the inside of the bearings. I’m not using the Prusa-supplied grease, but Super Lube 21030. It is also quite thick, so it probably has the same issue.
I’ll repack the bearings with the grease and let you know if it worked
RE:
Super Lube 21030 is what I use now, Works as fine as the original grease shipped with the printer, which didn't last long, being the tube so small.
When you repack the bearings check carefully for possible scratches on the rods, specially the upper one. If the scratches are very shallow no need to replace them, just align the rods so that the lines of balls in the bearings clear the scratches.
If the rods are marked, it's probable that some of the balls inside the bearings are somehow worn, Check for traces of black dust when you clean and repack them. Depending on the extent of the possible damage, it's your choice to replace the bearings or not.
RE:
Just started the disassembly of the X-axis and I did in fact notice some deep grooves in the rods... Strangely enough there never was any black dust on the rods, but the bearing was filled with it.
I suppose I will have to get new bearings, and a new rod...
RE: X-axis ticking noise after 10d print time
Those baffles at the sides of the bearings do a good good keeping the lube out and the dust in.. 😆
RE:
In the end, the bearings and rods got replaced. This stopped the noise! I also did not tighten the screws at the back of the x-carriage as much as I did during my first assembly. Hope this stops it from happening again!