This article will help to diagnose the problem of loose pinions on the Z Head.

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If you have loose pinions this may cause problems in doing precision machining, your job will not cut to the desired profile. Z Head has 2 pinions located on the underside.

A: Z Head pinions 

Check pinions engagement

First you have to check whether the pinions are fully engaged with the racks. Click here to learn more about properly engaging Z Head pinions. 

Bring Z Head close to the home end or close to the console and inspect the pinions with a flashlight.

B: Z Head

C: Console

Diagnosing loose pinions 

Firstly, make sure your SmartBench is turned on, click here to learn more.

Move Z Head to the middle of the Upper X Beam and try to rotate Z Head while holding the motors. If you feel movements or a click sound then this confirms you have loose pinions.

D: Motor (Right side)

E: Motor (Left side)

Tightening the pinions 

Once you have identified that you have loose Z Head pinions, remove the Z Head, click here to learn how.

To access the pinions you need to remove the pinion guards. 

F: Pinions (Z Head)

G: Pinion guards

To remove the pinion guard you can use a 4mm hex screwdriver.

The pinion is fixed on the shaft of the motor with the help of four grub screws. 

You can use a 2mm allen key to tighten the grub screws.

While tightening you can also identify whether the screws were loose or not.

Reassemble the Z head

Once you are happy with the pinion settings you can reassemble the Z Head back on the X Beam, click here to learn how.

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