Maintenence on the UP! printer.

My UP! started screaming and squeeking after about 1½ spool, especially the upper (X axis?) linear rail. It also made the whole machine resonate and vibrate so I thought that lubing up the rails and bearing would be a good idea.

My UP! started screaming and squeeking after 1½ spool, especially the upper (X?) linear rail. It also made the whole machine resonate and vibrate so I thought that lubing up the rails and bearing would be a great idea.

It was also a good excuse to see what hides beneath the covers, I've had the machine a few weeks without taking it apart, that must be a record.

Anyway, to open it you need to remove the bottom first, or at least it´s easier to remove the front cover then. There are four screws around it, all the same length and size so don't have to remember exactly where they belong. Remove all the "loose" stuff first, like the extruder, spool holder and filament feeder so that you wont hurt them in the process. Here is some photos from the adventure.

I used some ball bearing oil for the ball bearings but also for the rails. 

I´m sure there is a better oil for this, a more low viscosity oil I assume

but this worked good too.

Here are all the stepper drivers and electronics. The fan is a little bit loud,

so my next project would be to fit a quieter one (or two maybe to 

maintain the airflow).

And it's all naked! It was the upper rail that began to make most of the bad sound on my

printer. Note that there are two ball bearings on each of the belt wheels and you have to
remove it to be able to access the one under. The bearings seems to be in good condition,
out of all there were only one that was dry and made resistance, although after a drop of
oil it was smooth again.

This ball bearing broke while printing, but i managed to get the

balls back in the cage and it works for now. Although the awesome

customer service from PP3DP sent me a new one plus a spare!

So I´ll exchange it once they arrive.

So, was there any difference?

Yes! It is almost quiet now, I didnt think it would be such a difference.