Troubleshooting Y axis mechanical problem

I started buying parts for an Ox CNC in 2016, but due to some life changes and other obligations I didn't actually assemble it until last year. After assembly, I had a lot of issues with electronics that caused pretty much every job to fail, so I sat it aside until this week. I have purchased the black box controller, xtension limit switches, and new cabling and xtension connectors for all of my motors.

As I'm working through replacing all of the new parts on the machine, I've noticed a rough spot in the Y axis motion, about every 75-77 mm of travel. It feels like a clunky jerk, like a wheel with a flat spot. I've cleaned the rails and wheels from any dust and debris, and I can't feel any damaged/flat spots on any of the wheels as it rolls. I have also removed the belts from both sides to eliminate the motors/pulleys/belts as the cause.

I'm using the black delrin wheels, but I've just ordered enough polycarbonate wheels to replace them all. While I'm waiting for them to arrive, I'd like to keep troubleshooting the issue.

My guess is that I have a bad bearing, or there really is a damaged wheel and I just can't feel it. I really don't want to disassemble the machine enough to remove the y axis, so I'm thinking I'll lift the whole machine up (put it on blocks, as it were) and remove one wheel at a time until I find the culprit.

If anyone has any other ideas/suggestions I'm all ears. Would letting the machine sit idle for so long damage multiple wheels/bearings?

Thanks,

Gordon

 

Yeah, for a year, give or take. The X axis is still really smooth, but I suppose the Y axis has a fair amount more weight on it. It looks like the polycarbonate wheels were a good purchase, and I'll just have to wait a few more weeks to continue with the build. Thanks!

 

Yeah, that a good point. I really thought I'd be able to see or feel a flat spot though. Oh well, hopefully the new wheels will be in soon!. Thanks!