Like any device with moving parts, 3D printers can experience mechanical issues that prevent motion from happening smoothly and accurately. This results in a less-than-ideal printing process and may require you to reprint your model because of the faults that emerge.
Fortunately, these problems aren’t particularly prevalent because they typically arise from the 3D printer’s faulty initial setup or from wear and tear that finally happens after prolonged use, so you won’t have to deal with them very often.
The Ender 3 X axis wobble when the X axis gantry breaks loose and causes the printhead to move incoherently throughout the printing process. This is such a mechanical issue that it can impair the motion of the Ender 3 printer.
So what may possibly be the reason for your Ender 3 X axis gantry to sway?
The leading cause of an Ender 3 X axis gantry wobbling is when the eccentric nuts holding it in place get way too loose. This can occur as a result of faults made during assembly or wear and tear from the repeated operation.
Next, we will examine the potential reasons for the Ender 3 X axis wobble issue in more detail and determine the best course of action for solving this issue. And quickly review how to level the X axis for a successful printing process.
Fix The Ender 3 X Axis Wobble With These 5 Simple TipsCauses and Solutions
Several hardware problems can cause the Ender 3 to wobble on its X axis. Some of them consist of:
- Hotend is loose on the X axis carriage.
- Eccentric nuts that are loose on the Z uprights
- POM wheels that are worn or flat
- Loose screws on the mounting for the extruder motor.
- The mount for the extruder motor has ripped thread.
By simply investigating and adjusting this hardware, you can resolve these problems. You can accomplish this in various ways, including:
- Tighten The Eccentric Nuts On The Hotend Mount
- POM Wheels should be tightened to the Z Uprights (Z-Axis Vertical Frame)
- Examine the POM wheels for faults
- Tighten the screws on the bracket of the extruder motor
- Check for stripped holes on the motor bracket.
Fix The Ender 3 X Axis Wobble With These 5 Simple Tips
Tighten The Eccentric Nuts On The Hotend Mount
The eccentric nuts on the hotend mount must be tight so that the POM wheels can effectively grasp the X axis carriage. The hotend will consequently move back and forth on the X axis carriage with some play. This can result in less accurate printing and of lower quality.
To check for play, jiggle the hotend with your fingers. To correct this, you must tighten the eccentric nut on the POM wheels of the hotend. The POM wheel with the eccentric nuts should be found first. It typically appears on the POM wheel toward the bottom. Next, use the proper spanner to tighten it. When tightening it, you must be cautious to prevent impeding the hotend’s movement on the X axis carriage. Until there is absolutely no play on the hotend, tighten it. Just make sure the hotend’s mount can still move freely to avoid overtightening it.
This video demonstrates how to tighten the eccentric nuts on each of the Ender 3’s axes.
Most people tighten these wheels until they are so tight that rolling the wheel with their fingers is impossible. At this point, rolling the wheel causes the mount as a whole to move.
Fix The Ender 3 X Axis Wobble With These 5 Simple Tips
POM Wheels should be tightened to the Z Uprights (Z-Axis Vertical Frame)
The aluminum profiles on the Z-axis are connected to the POM wheels by the X axis gantry. The X axis gantry will sway if these wheels are loose because they won’t be able to adequately grip the Z uprights.
There is play in the vertical axis because the wheels do not firmly grasp the uprights. The POM wheels’ eccentric nuts can be tightened to correct this. By rotating the Z-axis leadscrew, you can increase the X axis. Find the POM wheel with the eccentric nut; it is typically the only one inside. The same method described in the section above should be used to turn them until they are snug and tight. Repeat the process for the opposing upright.
Fix The Ender 3 X Axis Wobble With These 5 Simple Tips
Examine the POM Wheels for Faults
POM wheels may eventually deteriorate or get covered with dust and debris. They won’t be able to roll and sit properly in their grooves as a result of this. Therefore, carefully check your POM wheels for any wear indicators and replace them if necessary. High-quality Polycarbonate POM wheels and Plastic POM wheels are available on Amazon. Reviews claim that they roll and fit on the X axis carriage quite smoothly. They move on the carriage quietly since they are well-oiled.
Fix The Ender 3 X Axis Wobble With These 5 Simple Tips
Tighten the Screws on the Bracket of the Extruder Motor
On an Ender 3, two bolts hold the X axis gantry arm to the bracket of the extruder motor; if these screws are loose, the X axis will wobble quite a bit. Take away the X axis carriage after removing the top of your printer’s frame. Find and tighten the screws behind the extruder.
To discover how to accomplish it, refer to the instructions on Creality’s official YouTube website.
Here’s how to go about doing it.
- To remove the X axis carriage, first, turn off the printer and unplug any motors or limit switches that are preventing you from doing so.
- Remove the top bar of the printer by unscrewing it.
- The two screws holding the bar to the extruder bracket can be removed using the Allen wrenches that are included.
- Make sure to align the brackets and bar’s edges so that they are level. Next, while making sure the components are still level, tighten those two screws.
- Reinstall the X axis carriage in the printer and re-establish all electrical connections.
- Reinstall the top bar using screws.
Avoid overtightening the bracket’s screws, as some users have reported that the screws and holes corrode readily.
Fix The Ender 3 X Axis Wobble With These 5 Simple Tips
Check The Extruder Motor Bracket for Stripped Holes
The screws holding the X gantry to the extruder motor bracket won’t be able to stay in place if the threaded holes on the bracket are stripped. The X-gantry will sway as a result. Therefore, stripping is the most likely cause if you’re tightening the screws and you see no progress is being made. There are two ways to fix this.
Purchasing a new X Axis V-Slot 2020 Carriage – Linear Rail is the more expensive choice. These 20x20mm extrusions are exceptionally stable and composed of high-quality metal. They feature excellent finishes on the ends and clean edges, according to one user. There are four of them in a pack.
The holes for some M5 screws can also be drilled or tapped, allowing you to utilize larger screws to hold the X axis carriage in place.
Which fix solved your Ender 3 X axis wobble? If you have any other cause and solutions please comment below or on our Facebook page to let us know! Remember to sign up for our free weekly newsletter to receive all the most recent 3D printing info in your email!
