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Z motor sounds different
Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 2:01 am
by Spencer
Hey guys. A couple days ago my Z motor started to sound different. Before it sounded like the normal "Errrrrr" noise. Now it's a quieter, "eeeeeee" noise. Is this a sign that the motor is dying? Thanks.
Spencer
Re: Z motor sounds different
Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 11:50 am
by spiritbreaker
I'm having a similar issue and just discovered my second failed overnight print.
Any ideas as to what's going on? I'm using esun pla + white 70 220.
Re: Z motor sounds different
Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 10:51 pm
by Phil
When I first installed my dual extruder upgrade, the Z-knob would get pinched by the wires/extruder. It would make a funny noise as the motor would try to turn the Z-axis screw, but could not. I do not know, but I presume there is some kind of 'clutch' between the motor and the screw which produces that noise. Yours might be wearing out.
Re: Z motor sounds different
Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 12:56 pm
by ednisley
Phil wrote:some kind of 'clutch' between the motor and the screw
One of the great things about stepper motors is their simplicity: one rotating part, no brushes, and nothing to wear out. Absent gross abuse, a stepper motor will outlive you.
A couple days ago my Z motor started to sound different
That generally means a change in the mechanical load. Things to look at:
- Lubrication (how long has it been since you …)
- Misalignment (dropped, twisted, bumped …)
- Jamming (trapped wires, dirt, small parts …)
Basically, look for anything that's not quite right, then fix whatever you find.
Re: Z motor sounds different
Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 1:05 am
by Spencer
Ah, are you supposed to lubricate the z axis rods? I thought I read somewhere that you're not supposed to.
ednisley wrote:Phil wrote:some kind of 'clutch' between the motor and the screw
One of the great things about stepper motors is their simplicity: one rotating part, no brushes, and nothing to wear out. Absent gross abuse, a stepper motor will outlive you.
A couple days ago my Z motor started to sound different
That generally means a change in the mechanical load. Things to look at:
- Lubrication (how long has it been since you …)
- Misalignment (dropped, twisted, bumped …)
- Jamming (trapped wires, dirt, small parts …)
Basically, look for anything that's not quite right, then fix whatever you find.
Re: Z motor sounds different
Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 3:56 pm
by ednisley
Spencer wrote:are you supposed to lubricate the z axis rods?
IIRC, that depends on which version you have: check the appropriate doc for the recommendations.
The leadscrew needs some love, too, while you have the hood up.