Grease Z Lead Screw¶
Interval: Every 90 days
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 5 minutes
Applies to: C235, C335, C435
Why¶
The Z lead screw carries the full weight of the X gantry and hotend. Dried grease causes:
- Z wobble artifacts (visible as periodic ridges on tall prints)
- Increased Z motor current draw
- Accelerated wear on the anti-backlash nut
What You Need¶
- Lubricant grease (lithium or PTFE-based)
- Lint-free cloth
Grease, not oil
Unlike X/Y rails, the Z lead screw benefits from grease because it stays in place and doesn't evaporate as fast on the vertical screw.
Steps¶
1. Raise the Z axis¶
Move Z to the top: G1 Z250 F300 (adjust for your printer height).
2. Power off Z motor¶
Send M84 Z to release the Z stepper.
3. Clean the lead screw¶
Wipe the exposed lead screw with a dry cloth from top to bottom.
4. Apply grease¶
Apply a thin line of grease along the lead screw threads. Use your finger or the cloth to spread it evenly along the full length.
5. Run Z up and down¶
Re-enable motors and run G1 Z10 F300 then G1 Z250 F300 a few times to distribute the grease through the nut.
6. Wipe excess¶
Clean any grease that squeezed out around the nut.
7. Mark as done¶
On your SmartPad: Menu > More > Maintenance > Grease Z Lead Screw > Done
Tips¶
- Don't over-grease — a thin coat is enough
- If you see black residue on the screw, it means the old grease was catching dust — clean more thoroughly
- The anti-backlash nut is a wear part, replace it if you feel play in Z