Ender 3 S1 Pro or Ender 5 S1: first layer too high or scraping after levelling (CR Touch and Z offset)

Symptom

After automatic levelling, the first layer does not stick because the nozzle is too high, or it scrapes the plate because it is too low; sometimes one corner differs from the rest.

Likely causes, from most to least likely

1. The Z-axis compensation (Z offset) is not set: automatic levelling measures the bed shape, but the nozzle height is set by hand with a sheet of paper.
2. The bed corners have not been levelled with the knobs (assisted levelling) or have moved.
3. Loose or binding axis wheels: their eccentric spacers need adjusting.
4. The X axis is not horizontal or the toolhead or bed has play.

Checks to tell which one it is

• With the printer off, check that the toolhead moves smoothly left and right, that the X axis is horizontal and steady, and that the bed does not wobble when moved back and forth.
• Turn each wheel gently: if it spins freely without contact or binds, its eccentric spacer needs adjusting.
• With a sheet of A4 paper between nozzle and plate, check that it drags the same at the four corners and the centre.

Before you start

Before taking anything apart, cleaning or adjusting it, switch the printer off and unplug it, unless a step says otherwise, and do not touch the nozzle, the heater block or the bed until they have cooled down. If in any doubt about electricity, heat or moving parts, stop and ask a professional.

Step-by-step fix

1. Level the corners (assisted levelling)

   Ender 3 S1 Pro: Settings → Leveling → Assisted Leveling, tap ① to ⑤ and turn the knobs under the bed until a sheet of A4 just fits between nozzle and plate (0.08 to 0.1 mm). Ender 5 S1: Settings → Leveling Method; at ① (centre) set the Z offset with the paper, at ②, ③, ④ and ⑤ turn each corner knob until you feel a slight drag, and repeat ① at the end.

   Check: The paper drags the same at every point.

   If that does not fix it: Check the wheels and X axis (step 4).

2. Automatic levelling

   Ender 3 S1 Pro: Settings → Leveling → Start, and wait for the CR Touch measurement to finish. Ender 5 S1: «AUTO-LVL» → «Start» until it reaches 100%.

   Check: Levelling completes without errors.

   If that does not fix it: Make sure the probe and bed are clean and repeat.

3. Set the Z offset

   After automatic levelling, go back to assisted levelling and adjust the Z-axis compensation until a sheet of A4 fits between nozzle and plate with a slight drag (the nozzle barely marks the paper). Going back to the previous menu saves the value.

   Check: The first layer comes out flat and well stuck, with no nozzle marks.

   If that does not fix it: Fine-tune the value in small steps and print a single-layer test.

4. Adjust the eccentric wheels

   With the printer off, if any X, Y or Z wheel spins freely or binds, turn its hexagonal eccentric spacer with an open-end wrench until the wheel turns smoothly with no play. Then level again.

   Check: Toolhead and bed move smoothly, without play.

   If that does not fix it: Contact Creality support.

Prevention

• Repeat assisted levelling if you move the printer or touch the bed knobs.
• Check the wheels and X axis every now and then before printing.
• After printing, clean the nozzle while hot using tools, never your hands, so no residue is left on the tip.

Still not fixed?

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Printers it applies to

Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro and Ender 5 S1.

Official sources

This guide summarises the official documentation linked here:

• Ender-3 S1 Pro User Manual · Creality
• Ender-5 S1 User Manual · Creality