1 Topic by mdrVB6 (edited by mdrVB6 2015-01-29 03:18:59)

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Topic: Source for idler pulley replacement with bearings?

I'm trying to replace my X and Y idler pulleys with bearings and having a hard time finding good ones at a decent price.  I've got GT2 belts, so I measured the OD of the pulley around the teeth and it comes to 12.2 mm.  It's an M5 bolt holding it in there so I guess I want 5x12x5 flanged bearings, right?  I bought some 5x16x5's that were too big.

McMaster has similar bearings in 5x10x5 or 5x13x5 but since I'm not funded by NASA I would rather not spend $8 each x 6 bearings.  There's a couple of ebay sellers selling 5x12x5's but only the non flanged kind and I think that might help to keep the belt centered on the bearing.  But I could just put a washer next to it.  Then more ebay sellers with 5x14x5 flanged but I'm not convinced that won't be too big.  Ebay prices seem like I can get a set for around $10 if only someone had this size in stock.  I struck out on amazon.

Has anyone else replaced the idler pulleys with bearings?  Am I even correct on the size?  Perhaps I really want the 5x10x5 since it will run "big" since the teeth don't bite into the belt the same.  Suggestions?

SD4 w/ RUMBA, E3D Volcano, all bearings, glass bed

2 Reply by satman49

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Re: Source for idler pulley replacement with bearings?

I used Traxxas 5114 Ball Bearings 5x8x2.5mm off amazon, Pack of 2 for 3.99

SD3, E3D hotend,linear bearing on x/y axis',pillow block bearing on y conneting rod, ball bearngs on front y axis, fan on y stepper motor.

3 Reply by IronMan

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Re: Source for idler pulley replacement with bearings?

These are nice, but a tad pricey and also run a bit large at 17.5mm...I used them on the Ord Hadron:

https://www.inventables.com/technologie … -wheel-kit

Dual bearings is nice for the extra support.  Even though larger than the drive pulley it works out as long as you keep the driving side of the loop relatively parallel to the axis.

SD2 - Stock - Enclosure - Heated Bed - Glass Plate - Auto Fire Extinguisher
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!

4 Reply by krakadu (edited by krakadu 2015-01-29 11:49:36)

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Re: Source for idler pulley replacement with bearings?

You can just use normal bearings and put shims of the needed size on both ends to serve as flanges.

5 Reply by mdrVB6

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Re: Source for idler pulley replacement with bearings?

satman49 wrote:

I used Traxxas 5114 Ball Bearings 5x8x2.5mm off amazon, Pack of 2 for 3.99

Looks like good bearings but they don't appear to be flanged.  I guess there is nothing special about the OD really as long as its not to big to fit.  I was thinking I should get close to 12 mm OD if possible.


These are nice, but a tad pricey and also run a bit large at 17.5mm...I used them on the Ord Hadron:

If you look thru my post history you can see that I am using some alternate idler holders and carriages.  My 16mm OD bearings were too big and the belt won't fit thru, so the 17.5 mm OD would not work at all for me.

I think I will go with these from ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390773907375?_t … EBIDX%3AIT

Then I will just take some M5 washers and put them next to the bearings to form a makeshift flange in case the belt feels like getting squirly.

Thanks.

SD4 w/ RUMBA, E3D Volcano, all bearings, glass bed