EQ3-2 Stiff Dec Axis - What to do

[bendiddley]

I have an EQ3-2 which has a stiff dec axis. The worm gear seems to rotate OK, its just when I rotate the axis there is quite a lot of resistance. I have made sure the clutch is released fully. Does anyone have any ideas how I can remedy this?

[Daz69]

My suggestion is thus: Stop using it or trying to rotate it if you've got a binding problem. If it's new contact the seller and explain the problem. they may tell you what the issue is and advise accordingly. If it's out of warranty, then it's down to you to sort it.

If it's your fix, strip it apart, taking photos if need be as you go, place each item removed in the orientation that you removed it onto a piece of clean A4 paper, and inspect them once everything is out under a decent bright inspection type lamp. Then have a look at the mount itself. It may be that something like a piece of swarf is jammed in there against the shaft. 

It should be easy to find the issue if you are methodical in taking it apart and good cleaning. If you can clean out any lubricant so everything is clean, then lubricate with new grease as you place buts back. Refer to a manual to make sure you don't lubricate something that shouldn't be lubricated. 

[wimvb]

If under warranty, contact the seller, as suggested. But it sounds like the worm gear is binding. Near the dec worm is a block with 3 grub screws, 2 large and shiny on each side, and 1 smaller in the middle. Loosen all three slightly with an allen key. Then tighten untill the gear fits snugly (no backlash and smooth running). Always test by hand for a full turn of the dec axis. Don't have any power to the mount (if it has motors fitted).

Hope this helps.

[bendiddley]

1 hour ago, wimvb said:

If under warranty, contact the seller, as suggested. But it sounds like the worm gear is binding. Near the dec worm is a block with 3 grub screws, 2 large and shiny on each side, and 1 smaller in the middle. Loosen all three slightly with an allen key. Then tighten untill the gear fits snugly (no backlash and smooth running). Always test by hand for a full turn of the dec axis. Don't have any power to the mount (if it has motors fitted).

Hope this helps.

Thanks, I've tried that one, and it didn't make any difference unfortunately. Thinking Daz's idea might be the next port of call.