Is there a good/quick way to replace the bearings?
I received some replacement bearings for the MK3 and want to avoid tearing it all down again to replace the bearings.
Are there any guides or anything to help replace the bearings with as few steps as necessary?
Re: Is there a good/quick way to replace the bearings?
I was about to ask the same question, i dismounted the Y axis two time to replace bearing and it's a lot of work.
I orderer misumi bearing and this time i'll with a small flat wrench to unscrew the u-bolt without touching the bed
just have to buy a small wrench
Re: Is there a good/quick way to replace the bearings?
What size is the nut used to hold these bearings in on the Y axis?
Re: Is there a good/quick way to replace the bearings?
I believe the hex is 5.5mm? The magnets in the bed are super strong, I believe I would want to unscrew the heat bed if I had to do it.
Re: Is there a good/quick way to replace the bearings?
...may I ask why you replaced the bearings and by which ones (type)?
Re: Is there a good/quick way to replace the bearings?
This is from memory so take it with a grain of salt. Its about 30 minutes each if you've comfortable with what your doing. This is for the x and y, I never did the z because I dont see the point.
** As aside note if your reading this and planning to swap the bearings to the IGUS solid polymer bearings ... just don't. They aren't good for the application and the tolerance just gets worse and worse over time. Please do research and look past everyone going ermagod theyre so quiet **
For the bed:
1. Unscrew the heat bed and remove it
2. Unscrew the two motor bolts bolts in the motor and tip it forward to loosen the belt
3. Unhook the belt off the bed holder on one side
4. Undo the zip ties on the smooth rods, lift the rods up and slide them out carefully
5. Swap the bearings and reverse the steps to put it all back together
For the gantry:
1. Remove the z axis top parts that hold the rods and lead screws to the frame
2. Move the Z up to the top (it wont come off b/c the cables will hit the frame)
3. Unscrew one z motor 4 bolts to drop it
4. Gently Lower it while turning the lead screw so the gantry stays level and you don't bend the motor lead screw
5. Repeat for other motor
6. Now you can lift the whole frame slightly and spin the gantry up and off the lead screws/rods
7. Now you can undo the x axis motor bolts to loosen the belt
8. Remove the 5 bolts and take the back of the x carriage off to get access to the bearings
9. Remove one side of the belt so you can pop the sides of the x axis off and remove the rods
10. Swap bearings and do it in reverse order.
Re: Is there a good/quick way to replace the bearings?
As usual if in doubt RTFI there you can find answers to all your questions.
RE: Is there a good/quick way to replace the bearings?
@nolan-l
I know I'm replying to an ancient thread, but this really helped, so thanks. My X axis idler bearing completely ate itself - this procedure worked beautifully. Much appreciated!