Y-Axis Keeps Crashing – Need Advice After Trying Several Fixes
Hi all,
I'm experiencing a repeated issue with the Y-axis on my MK3 printer. The Y-axis keeps crashing, and while I’ve looked around for possible solutions and tried a few things on my own, I’m hoping someone here might be able to point me in the direction of additional resources or suggestions before I consider a full teardown.
Here’s what I’ve tried so far:
Cleaned and lubricated the Y-axis rails.
Re-tensioned the Y-axis belt.
Attempted to align the Y-axis belt so it remains centered.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists. I’m hoping there’s a video, guide, or some advice from anyone who’s dealt with this issue before that could help resolve it. My last resort is disassembling and rebuilding the entire Y-axis, which I’d prefer to avoid if possible as I have other projects I’m working on.
Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
First, with the power off, move the axis by hand; is it smooth? Does the resistance stay the same over the whole range?
Check the smooth rods are not damaged/scratched. Check the idler pulley is not clogged, out of line, or damaged (loosen the belt and try turning it with your fingertip, is it smooth?)
With the belt loose try turning the stepper motor by hand; is it smooth? - you will feel the steps but there should be no grating.
Let us know what you find.
Cheerio,
RE: Y-Axis Keeps Crashing – Need Advice After Trying Several Fixes
Thanks for the patience, I finally got some time to look at Becket (my Mk3) and am hopeful of getting this remedied soon.
Rods do not appear to be damaged,
Y axis Bed moves with the same resistance and can feel the steps the whole length with belt connected.
Removing one end of the the belt on the Y axis to move things achieves the following: The Bed moves super smooth. The stepper an rotates evenly with the same resistance by hand. The pulley at the front rotates smoothly. After re tensioning the Y belt it does slightly wander left to right on the stepper gear and the pully at the front as the bed travels the Y axis. Is the belt pushing against the side of the front pully enough to crash the Y axis?
The idler pully is clear, not damaged and Not sure about it being out of line, as I don't know how to tell that. It feeds filament nicely?
What should I do next?
Thank you in advance for your patience and help. I really need to get her running again.
-E
Not the extruder idler, the Y axis idler - the pulley at the front. If it has been wandering it may have worn a groove in the housing and perhaps binds there - if so print a new one.
Cheerio,
RE: Y-Axis Keeps Crashing – Need Advice After Trying Several Fixes
Giving it a go, will let you know.
RE: Y-Axis Keeps Crashing – Need Advice After Trying Several Fixes
I printed a new Y axis idler which didn't have any Y crashes.
I replaced the part, lubed the bearing, and aligned the belt as best I could. I tested the belt with a much improved result (259 from 301) and ran the file that has been causing crashes (a print at .1mm layer height).
Still crashing as soon as it reaches around 18mm in height.
What should I do next?
RE: Y-Axis Keeps Crashing – Need Advice After Trying Several Fixes
Anyone ?