# The ACME rod doesn't want to slide into the bearing **URL:** \ **Category:** Assembly\ **Created:** [June 13, 2015, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309 "2015-06-13T17:11:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![WilliamNagel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8c91f0/32.png) [@WilliamNagel](https://community.inventables.com/u/WilliamNagel)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2015, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/1 "2015-06-13T17:11:49Z")
Hi all, Build is going very well but I’ve run into an issue fitting the ACME rod into the bearing. It’s not to be pressed on, is it? I didn’t want to force it at this point. 1000m kit - fully loaded Any advise? Thanks ---
**Author:** ![PJTX](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/pjtx/32/67651_2.png) [@PJTX](https://community.inventables.com/u/PJTX)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2015, 5:16pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/2 "2015-06-13T17:16:52Z")
There was a brief period where they were shipping the wrong nut. Check this thread: > [@\[Solved\] Problems with Delrin nut and ACME rod](https://community.inventables.com/t/solved-problems-with-delrin-nut-and-acme-rod/9027): > > I received my X-Carve earlier in the week and the assembly process has been going great! I have bumped into one small issue, however: I have the X-Carve (1000 x 1000) with the ACME rod option, version 1 (ordered 4/13, it has the M6 nut on top of the pulley), and I have been having problems threading the Delrin nut onto the ACME rod. I’ve even tried chucking the rod in a power drill and pushing it down into the nut as I run the drill at very slow speed, but it seems as though the threaded hole… And if that looks like your problem, contact [help@inventables.com](mailto:help@inventables.com) and they’ll get you sorted right quick. ---
**Author:** ![WilliamNagel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8c91f0/32.png) [@WilliamNagel](https://community.inventables.com/u/WilliamNagel)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2015, 5:30pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/3 "2015-06-13T17:30:41Z")
Thanks PJ, but I don’t seem to have a problem with the delrin nut, fits fine. The rod itself won’t go into the bearing on top. ---
**Author:** ![PJTX](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/pjtx/32/67651_2.png) [@PJTX](https://community.inventables.com/u/PJTX)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2015, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/4 "2015-06-13T19:28:34Z")
Whoops, sorry about that, it’s what I get for skimming. I seem to recall that it should just slide right through. Any chance you have some calipers handy? I went to the schematic and measured that opening, it looks like it should be 8mm across: The diagram shows the ACME, so that should be the right bearing. I couldn’t find a schematic with the other threaded rod to compare, so I don’t know if it’s the same bearing for both or not. ---
**Author:** ![WilliamNagel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8c91f0/32.png) [@WilliamNagel](https://community.inventables.com/u/WilliamNagel)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2015, 9:01pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/5 "2015-06-13T21:01:49Z")
Wow, I really appreciate you investigating this for me. Unfortunately, I don’t own calipers. It’s awful close though, seems like I could force it but I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t. I’m wondering if I got the flanged bearing for the threaded rod instead of the ACME. Have a great weekend - appreciate your assistance. ---
**Author:** ![AllenMassey](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/allenmassey/32/84441_2.png) [@AllenMassey](https://community.inventables.com/u/AllenMassey)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2015, 9:22pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/6 "2015-06-13T21:22:41Z")
You really need a good digital caliper. $18 at Amazon > **[Amazon.com: NEIKO 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper Measuring Tool, 0 - 6 Inches...](https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01407A-Electronic-Digital-Stainless/dp/B000GSLKIW)** > > When it comes to precision and exact measuring in home improvement projects, the Neiko family of digital calipers are an excellent digital solution for your measuring needs due to its accurate and easy-to-read displays. Ranging from 6”, 8”, to 12”... ---
**Author:** ![Zach\_Kaplan](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/zach_kaplan/32/84268_2.png) [@Zach\_Kaplan](https://community.inventables.com/u/Zach_Kaplan)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2015, 11:12pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/7 "2015-06-13T23:12:05Z")
@WilliamNagel email help@ and they will get you fixed up. Can you post a picture of the parts you got so we can see if they are out of tolerance or the wrong parts? ---
**Author:** ![WilliamNagel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8c91f0/32.png) [@WilliamNagel](https://community.inventables.com/u/WilliamNagel)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2015, 11:30pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/8 "2015-06-13T23:30:37Z")
Thanks Zach, [Here’s the ACME with the Delrin nut.](http://s22.postimg.org/4cwojnws1/IMG_0147_1.jpg) [A closer picture.](http://s3.postimg.org/n22fw7egj/IMG_0146_1.jpg) [The flanged bearing.](http://s7.postimg.org/ow63m34mj/IMG_0145_1.jpg) [Attempting to fit the rod into the bearing.](http://s2.postimg.org/qlpudc189/IMG_0148_1.jpg) The numbers on the bearing are small, but it looks like they might be “609LHV” I’ll email help with a reference to this post, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Zach\_Kaplan](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/zach_kaplan/32/84268_2.png) [@Zach\_Kaplan](https://community.inventables.com/u/Zach_Kaplan)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2015, 12:08am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/9 "2015-06-14T00:08:56Z")
The flanged bearing should be - 8mm x 22mm x 7mm ---
**Author:** ![BenjaminMejia](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/benjaminmejia/32/64418_2.png) [@BenjaminMejia](https://community.inventables.com/u/BenjaminMejia)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2015, 11:45pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/10 "2015-06-14T23:45:53Z")
Mine didn’t go in either at first. I thought it was going to be a problem but after some more wiggling it suddenly slide right on in. ---
**Author:** ![WilliamNagel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8c91f0/32.png) [@WilliamNagel](https://community.inventables.com/u/WilliamNagel)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2015, 11:42pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/11 "2015-06-15T23:42:29Z")
I seem to have the proper 8mm bearing - I borrowed calipers from work, the rod is slightly larger at the top then seems to be right on 8mm at the base. I’m going to have the engineers at work check it for me tomorrow - but it looks to me as if the ACME was just not milled exactly in the reduced area that “fits” into the bearing. I’ll update again tomorrow - in the mean time CS is sending a new bearing just in case. Thanks everyone OH & Allen: I ordered the calipers, good advise! ---
**Author:** ![Zach\_Kaplan](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/zach_kaplan/32/84268_2.png) [@Zach\_Kaplan](https://community.inventables.com/u/Zach_Kaplan)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2015, 1:27pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/12 "2015-06-16T13:27:01Z")
If the ACME is out of tolerance the new bearing won’t solve the problem. ---
**Author:** ![WilliamNagel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8c91f0/32.png) [@WilliamNagel](https://community.inventables.com/u/WilliamNagel)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2015, 3:19pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/13 "2015-06-16T15:19:01Z")
Zach, I figured that too. Our engineers confirmed my measurements & were able to reduce the milled area of the shaft so that the ACME would slip into the bearing. It seems to be good to go now, I’ll be putting it back together this evening - just to be sure, what is the tolerance on the ACME? It doesn’t seem loose to me but wanted to be sure they didn’t take too much off. I appreciate all the support, you’ve got a great team. ---
**Author:** ![NathanButler](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/nathanbutler/32/21390_2.png) [@NathanButler](https://community.inventables.com/u/NathanButler)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2015, 4:43pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/14 "2015-06-16T16:43:04Z")
That makes me think it might just be a machining error on the rod itself? Maybe there’s a small burr where it was cut that needs to be lightly sanded off. ---
**Author:** ![KyleJacobs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/858c86/32.png) [@KyleJacobs](https://community.inventables.com/u/KyleJacobs)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2015, 7:37pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/15 "2015-06-16T19:37:13Z")
I actually had the same problem. The ACME leadscrew was the right diameter to fit in the bearing, but when I slid on the Z carriage the lead screw was about 1mm offset towards the gantry side. If the delrin nut was near the bottom of it’s travel, then I could fit the rod in the bearing, but as I brought the nut up, it would bind. Seems like some dimension was off. I ended up putting the Z-axis motor plate on a mill and extending the mounting holes for the makerslide an additional 1mm and then everything fit well. ---
**Author:** ![AllenMassey](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/allenmassey/32/84441_2.png) [@AllenMassey](https://community.inventables.com/u/AllenMassey)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2015, 7:50pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/16 "2015-06-16T19:50:47Z")
I am seeing the same type of issue, My Z axis works very well as long as it is moving along the bottom 60% of the ACME rod. Any time it moves higher it begins to bind a bit and make an odd noise. I was not sure how to correct it, but since 99.9% of the work I am doing keeps the Z axis in that bottom 60% I have not worried to much about it. Can you describe exactly what you did to correct it? Did you just change the two mounting holes in the motor plate from holes to slots, then adjust by hand till it was aligned? ---
**Author:** ![KyleJacobs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/858c86/32.png) [@KyleJacobs](https://community.inventables.com/u/KyleJacobs)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2015, 8:07pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/17 "2015-06-16T20:07:12Z")
Yes, I just extended the holes connecting the motor plate to the makerslide to turn them into slots. The plate needed to be moved approximately 1 mm (I didn’t try to be exact) so that’s how far I extended the holes. I just pulled the plate to the new end of the slot inserted the ACME in the bearing and tightened down the screws. The fit was close enough with that extension that I didn’t have binding afterwards. I used a mill to modify the plate, but one could also potentially thin down the delrin nut or add spacers to the V-groove bearings to make up the difference. The 1 mm thick washers might do the trick. ---
**Author:** ![AllenMassey](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/allenmassey/32/84441_2.png) [@AllenMassey](https://community.inventables.com/u/AllenMassey)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2015, 8:42pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/18 "2015-06-16T20:42:55Z")
Thanks for the information, I may try sanding the delrin to gain a mm. ---
**Author:** ![ParAgren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ba0ec/32.png) [@ParAgren](https://community.inventables.com/u/ParAgren)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 10:53am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/19 "2015-08-02T10:53:42Z")
I also had the same problem of being unable to slide my ACME rod through the bearing. I measured with calipers on both rod and bearing and it was just a few hundreds of a mm that might have been off. I solved it by inserting the rod into my screwdriver and sanding it a little before trying to fit it into the bearing again. Did this 3 or 4 times and then it fit perfectly. ---
**Author:** ![SteveCarter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@SteveCarter](https://community.inventables.com/u/SteveCarter)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 9:10pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309/20 "2015-09-03T21:10:19Z")
Hi, I had this problem as well. The measurements that I got for the bearing are .310" while the rod is at .312". Sanded a bit and it fit. [Next page](https://community.inventables.com/t/the-acme-rod-doesnt-want-to-slide-into-the-bearing/9309.md?page=2)