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Easiest way to loosen the X-idler wheel?  

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mnl1121
(@mnl1121)
Active Member
Easiest way to loosen the X-idler wheel?

Hi all, I've been having some issues with layer shifting. At first I realized my X-axis belts were too tight, I couldn't even move the extruder while the printer was off. I then loosened it and i think too much because during one print the x axis skipped. I now seem to have a happy medium, however I have realized that the X-axis idler is not spinning (could have sworn it was while i was assembling it). I know this is going to be a problem sooner or later so my question is what's the easiest way to loosen the screw? If I take the X axis completely off, loosen and put it back on will i need to readjust the Live Z height? I've gotten the Z-height so perfect I'd hate to mess with it.

Any suggestions is appreciated.

Posted : 17/03/2017 1:21 am
David T.
(@david-t)
Noble Member
Re: Easiest way to loosen the X-idler wheel?

my question is what's the easiest way to loosen the screw?
Using a screwdriver? 😉
I'm sorry but I actually can't see what is or could be the problem with losening the screw on X-idler.

Posted : 17/03/2017 9:53 am
shaun.b2
(@shaun-b2)
New Member
Re: Easiest way to loosen the X-idler wheel?

Hey! I just dealt with a pain in the ass persistent skipping issue that appears to have been caused by my x idler not spinning. Unfortunately I found that I did have to take the entire x-axis off the rods to fix this. I imagine that the only way to avoid this is if you had a hex key with a bend near the very end of the key to fit between the threaded rod and the printed part. This could be achieved by cutting a spare hex key as shown here:

Alternatively, perhaps you could 3D print this tool. Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Posted : 18/03/2017 8:18 am
mnl1121
(@mnl1121)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Easiest way to loosen the X-idler wheel?

my question is what's the easiest way to loosen the screw?
Using a screwdriver? 😉
I'm sorry but I actually can't see what is or could be the problem with losening the screw on X-idler.

Have you noticed that the X-Idler screw is behind the Z axis rods?

Posted : 18/03/2017 6:21 pm
mnl1121
(@mnl1121)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Easiest way to loosen the X-idler wheel?

Hey! I just dealt with a pain in the ass persistent skipping issue that appears to have been caused by my x idler not spinning. Unfortunately I found that I did have to take the entire x-axis off the rods to fix this. I imagine that the only way to avoid this is if you had a hex key with a bend near the very end of the key to fit between the threaded rod and the printed part. This could be achieved by cutting a spare hex key as shown here:

Alternatively, perhaps you could 3D print this tool. Hope this helps. Best of luck!

That is actually a good idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

Posted : 18/03/2017 6:21 pm
David T.
(@david-t)
Noble Member
Re: Easiest way to loosen the X-idler wheel?

Have you noticed that the X-Idler screw is behind the Z axis rods?
Sure, but I didn't realize you wanted to loosen it while still mounted on Z axis. I admit there is very little space behind the lead screw.

Posted : 18/03/2017 8:41 pm
mnl1121
(@mnl1121)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Easiest way to loosen the X-idler wheel?

Have you noticed that the X-Idler screw is behind the Z axis rods?
Sure, but I didn't realize you wanted to loosen it while still mounted on Z axis. I admit there is very little space behind the lead screw.

You didn't read my whole question.

Anyway I managed to loosen it without taking it off! The longest allen wrench they give you has a ball end and turns out you can squeeze it in there and loosen the screw! Problem solved the idler wheel moves now.

Posted : 18/03/2017 10:17 pm
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