During a long dusty run, the wheels sometimes begin to squeak. I know normal lubrications are NOT appropriate. Sometimes, I will pause the job and brush them with a toothbrush. Any ideas?
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@r3dfi5h welcome to the forum! I have been running my MK1 for close to 3 years and have never expereinced wheels that squeaked. I have replaced wheels due to wear (the rubber) but no issue with the bearings.
Are you sure it’s wheel bearings? How tight do you have the wheels?
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I can’t count the times I’ve adjusted them. When I use the toothpaste for cleaning, it lasts for awhile then gives me a squeak now and then. So far hasn’t affected my projects but I just got to wondering if it was an issue with anyone. Thanks for your reply.
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Squeaking would denote rubbing, this could be at the wheel contact with the rail and the wheel is not turning. Possible causes are wheels too tight, wheels out of alignment with the rails. It could also be from the bearing itself not turning on the bearing races, caused by loss of lubrication, intrusion of dust past the bearing seals, worn bearing or race.The bearings are zz which provides sealing and keeps the lubricant from leaking out. Zz bearings do not need lubrication and should lubrication be necessary bearing replacement would be the repair option. They do not provide high protection from dust. You mention a long dusty run, I can do an 8hr carving and have minimal evidence of dust on completion, do you have dust collection? You do not specify where the noise is from or how many wheels you suspect are an issue. More information may be of help.
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@r3dfi5h It would not hurt to confirm that you put the 5mm washer on the correct side of the bearing. If it is on the wrong side, the bearing will bind and squeak.
Yes, you’re right. It didn’t hurt 
and yes the washers are on the proper side, thank you very much 
.
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Mickus, I need to take you home 
with me. Your depth of explanation should be in handbooks. I’m gonna grab a coffee 
, sit down and digest your response. You probably answered many other questions that people were afraid to ask. Thanks 
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@r3dfi5h I’m not familiar with the toothpaste solution, the bearings are sealed, no way to lubricate, still curious about squeaking.
I have been using “Jig-A-Loo Nano” from day 1 on the Longmill Mk1 and for the last year and half on my “PrintNC”, no squeeks ever
@Andy1 Each to his own. I’ve been using absolutely nothing on my Mk1, which has been working since Kickstarter, and I have never had squeaks either. 
As @Mickus said, the bearings in the wheels and on the lead screws are ZZ shielded. They are not as tight as sealed, but they do not need lubrication. The delrin anti-backlash nuts are self lubricating. I keep the lead screws and rails reasonably clean and everything seems to run just fine that way.
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Another wheel adjustment and just nearly gone… BTY, Someone mentioned my "toothpaste '. NO! That’s TOOTHBRUSH for a little delicate scrubbing in difficult places.
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I only use it on the rails and screws, never on wheels or bearings either.
Don’t try it on your oatmeal either 
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When I clean the only thing I do is blow everything down with my air hose, I do this prior to running. I use a OSHA certified blowgun with about 12psi at the gun. The gun has a venturi in the nozzel and as the compressed air psses through it draws surrounding air in, resulting in low pressure high volume. The result is fast cleaning without having to worry about dust being forced into places you would rather it not be.
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I think you’re on the right path. I’m just an old geezer keeping busy and I’m gonna get one of those air cans they use to clean computer parts.
I haven’t had squeaky wheels but was getting a black build-up on the rails from the v wheels. After trying 2 types of automobile paste wax, with no luck, I bought an aerosol can of silicone. Because final finish doesn’t like silicone, I take it outside and spray a moderate amount into a disposable, heavy duty paper shop rag. After cleaning the rails, I wipe just the area where the v wheels ride, top and bottom of the rails, and I get no more black build-up. The rails are very easy to keep clean now.
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