[FlyingIllini]

I have a fairly new ZX45 (square column RF45 clone) from Wholesale Tool. Yesterday while milling, it started spitting grease (or thick oil ?) out of the bottom of the spindle between the spindle and the spindle bearing cap. The first two inches of the z-axis spindle quill travel also became very difficult to move (the lower three inches of travel seems fine) and kinda binds up.

Anyone have a clue what could cause this, and also can anyone tell me how to disassemble the spindle in order to diagnose this issue? Seems like its either the bearing seal failed or perhaps one of the oil seals. I know the spindle bearings are sealed... maybe the seal failed. Would the quill movement difficulty point to an oil seal instead of the bearing seal?

Thanks

[davo727]

Hi, I bought a 7045m from wholsale tool about a month ago and havent had any problem with it. Have you talked to them to see if you can get new seals for it or service? Dave

[Johann ohnesorg]

Search the Grizzly site for the similar machine from them, download the part list, see what part could be the culprit. Then decide how to go on, fix it yourself or send it back.

Cheers,
Johann

[pete from TN]

Sounds to me like your internal seal between the spindle body and the gearbox oil bath may have failed. A lot of these machines suffer from leaking from these seals and it can be a real bother. IF you have tightness in your spindle quill travel, you might have something else broken in there. I would definitely talk to the supplier first but if they do not wish to help you will be able to remove the quill drive clutch and the spindle pretty easily without removing the head from the mill. I got tired of the oil spilling problems and built a belt drive conversion but it may just be a seal. You might try to remove the three screws in the cap that surrounds the spindle shaft on top of the millhead and remove the seal and have a look down inside there to see what is causing the binding. IF you are loosing oil not grease it is most likely the inner seal I am speaking of. Good luck with it and if you need any more help give a shout... peace


Pete

[hoss2006]

The op posted over 3 1/2 years ago fellas.
Hoss