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Linear bearings for X axis carriage

Discussion in 'Mods and Upgrades' started by cbnlnk121, Oct 26, 2016.

  1. cbnlnk121

    cbnlnk121 New Member

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    Hey all, I was printing last night and in the middle of it the bearings fell out of the X axis carriage. I've been using a PTFE based oil on the rods and various parts. I've now been reading that I should be using a grease for the bearings.

    Anyway, since I got this R1 beta second hand, I've been upgrading and replacing parts various parts. Should I just replace the bearings with new LM8UU?

    Anyone change out the 2 per side of the X axis carrier with the LM8LUU versions? Seems like a no brainer to me to have 2 bearings instead of 4.

    Thoughts?

    Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
     
  2. Geof

    Geof Volunteer Moderator
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    If the bearing fell out, I'd say you need a new carriage, more than likely the tolerances are to loose. Luckily this is a printable item, superglue that bearing back in and print a new carriage then press in new bearings and swap it out (one of many options).

    I have not used LM8LUU bearings but as long as both sides of the carriage were supported with 1 bearing I'd suppose that would work out. LM8UU bearings are cheap, the "upgrade" would be found in the mods section. search x axis alternative post by @WheresWaldo
     
  3. danzca6

    danzca6 Well-Known Member

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    If use some tape around the bearing instead of super glue if it is still not tight when you put it back. Even printing a new cartridge can introduce tolerance differences that require you to sand out our tape. The UI versions should work fine if you want to try. Like Geof said, they are all cheap. The bronze bushing upgrade is a bit expensive compared to the stock bearings.
     
  4. cbnlnk121

    cbnlnk121 New Member

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    Sounds good. Thanks guys.
    Any thoughts on grease or oil on them?

    Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
     
  5. danzca6

    danzca6 Well-Known Member

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    I use a light 3in1 machine oil. Some recommend a thick grease. I heard from an experienced machinist that the light oil is best, so I have stuck with that. Also what I do with bearings is to run them through my ultrasonic cleaner to get any grit out of them before I lube them up and install. Dirt is not a bearings friend.
     
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  6. Geof

    Geof Volunteer Moderator
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    I use 3 in 1 oil for everything on all my printers. Some are a fan of something like white lithium for the leadscrews/threaded rods
     
  7. danzca6

    danzca6 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I found that could add some resistance. Back in the battle of z wobble, adding a thick grease to my threaded rods made it worse. So I wiped it clean and put 3in1. Never used anything else since. YMMV of course.
     
  8. cbnlnk121

    cbnlnk121 New Member

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    Well, I guess I know what I'll be doing this week. Pulling out the bearings and cleaning and re-lubing them. Maybe it's time for a full cleaning first.

    Once again, you are all the best. Thanks

    Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
     
  9. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    In all fairness to whichever lubricant you used, the stock bearings are not high quality.
    If you must replace them get better ones. I swapped all of mine out early on with decent bearings and no problems since.
     
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  10. danzca6

    danzca6 Well-Known Member

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    mark tomlinson likes this.
  11. KTMDirtFace

    KTMDirtFace Well-Known Member

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  12. danzca6

    danzca6 Well-Known Member

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    @KTMDirtFace that's good stuff. I have a bottle of that recommended to me by another forum member. It's great.
     

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