How to replace rubber roller bearing on Bolt and Odin Series Machines

Preface: This article covers the basic of replacing a rubber roller bearing on a Bolt or Odin machine.

Make sure this work is performed with the machine in a safe state. There will also be spring loaded bearing arms that can pinch.  You must take the necessary precautions to prevent injury.

Quickstart Video:

The quickstart video may not be all inclusive, for further details, please see the written instructions below in the Complete Guide section.

***coming soon***

Complete Guide:

The below guide will walk your through removing and replacing a bearing.

Tools Needed:

8mm wrench

X Axis Laser Head Bearings:

1. Identify the bearings

The X axis Laser Head has 4 bearings. Two uppers that are fixed and two lowers that are spring loaded and adjust the tension on the bearings. Please see the reference images below.

X Axis Laser Head Upper Bearings (Fixed)	X Axis Laser Head Lower Bearings (Spring Loaded)
	(Viewed from the back side from underneath)

2. Head Removal

To be able to remove the head, you will require the use of both hands to unload the spring tension on the lower bearings. You will then rotate the lower part of the laser head towards the front of the machine and then lift the head up which will get the upper bearings off the X axis Gantry rail.

Push down on the spring loaded bearing arms (One on each side, do both at the same time):

Example:

Spring load bearings at rest:

Once the head is removed and your release your pressure off the bearing arms, the bearings will go back to their resting position.

3. Bearing Swap

Use the 8mm wrench too loosen the shoulder bolt that is holding the bearing to the plate. The threads are right handed, but since you will be loosening from behind, the wrench will rotate to the right.

Bearing with shoulder bolt:

4. Head Re-Install

Top pop the head back on, rest the upper fixed bearings in the groove and then unload the spring loaded lower bearings and slide the lowers into place and release.

Note that the X axis endstop lever arm may get bumped out of adjustment when removing the head, be sure to inspect and put it back in its place once the head is installed back

X Axis Endstop Bumped out of Place	X Axis Endstop Re-adjusted

5. Reset Machine to Home

Power up the machine to allow it to home again. Do not try to run the machine without letting it home to the back left corner.

---

Y Axis Trolley Bearings:

The Y axis bearings will be a bit harder than the X axis since you have two sides of the gantry to deal with and both have fixed and spring loaded bearings.

***coming soon***

1. Identify the bearings

2. Bearing Swap

 Inboard

Outboard

3. Reset Machine to Home

Power up the machine to allow it to home again. Do not try to run the machine without letting it home to the back left corner.

Reference Links:

Rubber Roller Bearing

Bearing Spring

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