Linear rails development of damage while in use

Can someone tell my why my linear rails are doing this? X-axis rail has the same problem. This y-axis rail started just now
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11 Replies
blacksmithforlife
Did you grease or oil your rails and carts?
Jens
Jens13mo ago
yes, i did i am using "Feinmechanik Öl" / fine mechanic oil without additives promoted to be good for sewing machines and ball bearings
ambitious-aqua
ambitious-aqua13mo ago
I think the carriage is angled to the rail in one way or another beyond its allowed tolerances and started rubbing the rail
Jens
Jens13mo ago
it was moving without issues
ambitious-aqua
ambitious-aqua13mo ago
I would take the rail off immediately before more dmg is done, put the rail upside down, with the carriage flat on its back on a soft cloth. Gently pull the rail out of the carriage (balls can fall out) and investigate what is rubbing and what the damage is. Warning though, when/if the balls fall out, you may have a hell of a time getting it back together). its what I would do ... 😉
Jens
Jens13mo ago
i will try that next, tank you. i already had done this to the x axis linear rail but i am not sure if thats the same problem. the x axis carriage is loose on the rail (you can tilt it back and forth)
ambitious-aqua
ambitious-aqua13mo ago
either way, those metal parts are bad news and I would not continue running it even 1 mm make sure you clean it out there must be nothing left inside the carriage, or outside on the rail.
Jens
Jens13mo ago
What would you use to clean the rail? I got brake cleaner and IPA
ambitious-aqua
ambitious-aqua13mo ago
IPA
Jens
Jens13mo ago
cleaned it until all of the shavings were gone and inspected it. looks like some of the rust coating is coming off, just like the x-axis linear rail Did a 4h print yesterday and there are no metal shavings, yet. I will keep looking for any damages but so far i think i saved this rail another 3h print and still no metal shavings.. cleaning and lubricating (again) seems to have resolved the issue
ambitious-aqua
ambitious-aqua13mo ago
good to hear!