Squeaks, grinding or vibration when the axes move

Symptom

The printer is louder than before when it moves: squeaking, rubbing, rattling or vibration, sometimes only on one axis or with certain moves. Often it doesn't affect the print, but a rubbing pulley or a dragging rail can end up causing print defects.

Likely causes, from most to least likely

1. Dry or dirty rods, bearings or rails. A new noise after many hours of use is usually the first sign.
2. Loose screws that rattle: on the bed, the display, the power supply or the frame.
3. A pulley rubbing against the motor or a misaligned belt touching a plastic part.
4. V-wheels with play or badly adjusted tension, or dirty or misaligned rails.
5. The surface under the printer is unstable or acts as a sound box.
6. In Klipper, a screech when homing Z after porting a Marlin config: the maximum Z speed (max_z_velocity) is higher than the motor can deliver.

Checks to tell which one it is

• Move each axis on its own from the printer menu to see whether the noise comes from just one.
• While it makes the noise, rest your hand on the bed, motors, power supply or display: if the sound changes or stops, you've found the source.
• With the printer off, move the axes by hand: a tight or rough spot means dirt, lack of lubrication or something rubbing.
• Run your fingers around each smooth rod along its whole length: if you feel a groove, check it with your fingernail.
• Gently push the table: if it moves or wobbles, the surface isn't firm enough.

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. Set the printer on a solid base

   Place it on a firm surface that doesn't move when pushed and check that its feet are in place. Padding underneath dampens noise, but not padding so soft that the printer wobbles.

   Check: The noise drops and the printer doesn't sway while printing.

   If that does not fix it: Check the screws.

2. Tighten rattling screws

   With the printer off, check the screws on the bed, display, power supply and frame. Don't overtighten the ones holding bearings: that can deform them and scratch the rods.

   Check: Moving the axes no longer rattles.

   If that does not fix it: Clean and lubricate rails and bearings.

3. Clean and lubricate rails and bearings

   Wipe the rods or rails with paper and apply a small amount of the lubricant your manufacturer recommends; avoid very thick ones. Don't grease the Z lead screw or its nuts unless your manual says so: some models advise against it.

   Check: Hand movement is smooth and the noise is gone.

   If that does not fix it: Check pulleys and belts.

4. Check pulleys and belts

   Make sure the pulleys don't rub against the motor body, are aligned, and that the belt doesn't touch any plastic part.

   Check: The belts run straight without rubbing.

   If that does not fix it: Check the wheels or rails.

5. Adjust V-wheels and rails

   If your printer uses V-wheels, check they have no play and aren't too tight, and adjust their tension as your manual says. Keep linear rails clean and lubricated as the manufacturer indicates.

   Check: The carriage moves without play and without dragging.

   If that does not fix it: If the noise comes from the Z axis and you use Klipper, go to the next step; otherwise contact your manufacturer's support.

6. Klipper: Z axis screech when homing

   If the Z axis screeches when homing after moving from Marlin, lower max_z_velocity in printer.cfg and test the axis again following Klipper's configuration checks.

   Check: The Z axis homes without screeching.

   If that does not fix it: Contact your manufacturer's support or check your board's documentation.

Prevention

• Do maintenance every few hundred print hours even if everything works: cleaning, lubrication and a check of the screws.
• Use only the lubricant your manufacturer specifies, and sparingly.
• Keep the printer on a firm, stable surface.

Still not fixed?

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Printers it applies to

Any FDM (filament) 3D printer, from any brand.

Official sources

This guide summarises the official documentation linked here:

• Vibration when printing (MK3S+/MK2.5S) · Prusa Research
• i3 Printer Regular Maintenance · Prusa Research
• Frequently Asked Questions (screeching noise when homing the Z axis) · Klipper
• Measuring Resonances (unreliable measurements: rails and V-slot wheels) · Klipper