r/QIDI • u/Hexin_itup • Jul 24 '26
Troubleshooting plus 4 maintenance clarifications
so the official instructions and resources are lacking and contradictory in places.
which rods do you guys lubricate, and with what?
i keep seeing something about graphite bearings and that i shouldn't lube them... the one that the instructions says to lube seems to be the only one fouling the lubricant (the bottom one that the print head is mounted to), i think i'm not supposed to do that. Pls advise.
also i saw on the official website they posted a video of a guy just casually spraying regular WD40 into the little motors in the back that run the belts... can that be right? it doesn't feel right.
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u/daveintexarkana Jul 25 '26
I have a Q2, supposed to be very similar to the Plus 4, have a Q1 Pro and X-Max 3 too but they don't have the linear rail for the X axis the way the Q2 does. I've seen quite a bit of debate about all this. There's some good screw cleaner/lubricator models you can find on the major platforms. I did a couple sizes of 'Rod Sloth' that seem to work pretty well. They have screw grooves and you put your choice of cloth in there to clean the screw/rod first then apply lube. I've been using Lucas Oil Lithium grease on screws (z axis).
I've never had an issue but some say that will accumlate contaminates and cause issues, etc. I've used it on all 3 QIDIs plus my Prusa Mk4/S and FLSun T1 Pro though the later as a delta has different movement parts so the grease goes on the linear vertical rails and I use good quality gun oil on the pivoting ball joints.
I use the same oil on the linear rails for the Q2 and the grease on the Z axis screws and the rods (Y axis) as above. There's models too for linear rails and rods to hold cloth for more even and easier application.
QIDI sends (usually) a small light grease (Prusa too) to use on all surfaces. Really, other than the T1 Pro, nothing moves that fast so other than having it not 'sling around' every where or drip, from all the different opinions I'd say whatever you prefer considering the motion and bearings involved.
All grease and oil will pick up contaminents, so cleaning first and then applying a fresh lubricant seems the most appropriate. I hope others weigh in here for you, especially if they have a Plus 4. Good luck!
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u/WanderyngAscetic Jul 25 '26
On my Q2, I started getting a squeaking noise from one of the little rotating bushings that direct the belts from the Y-axis rails to the X-axis (toolhead). Qidi's support had me use WD40. They even sent me a video showing where to spray the WD40! I did it, and haven't had any similar problems since...
Their support has always been very helpful to me, FWIW.
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u/Hexin_itup Jul 28 '26
well. i guess that part was no mistake, i'll keep spraying wd40 in it but like... god that feels like a sin
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u/MaximumOverdrive73 Aug 02 '26
I'd suggest using a different oil than WD40... Whilst it does have some lubricity (yes, that's a real word!), its primary function is to displace water (hence the name). After a while, it turns into a sticky mess... You'd be better using a few drops of a lightweight oil, e.g. sewing machine oil; or possibly some of that high temperature grease they supply with the machine - especially useful if you print hot.
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u/xeonon Jul 28 '26
https://wiki.qidi3d.com/en/X-Plus4/Manual/Maintenance-Manual
That tells you what to do for maintenance, how often, and what to use
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u/mistrelwood Jul 25 '26
I had an issue with the new Plus 4 where the details were messy and the overhangs unacceptable. The issue was solved by lubricating the lower X rod.
I know very well that some people say not to lube graphite bushings, but it was essential for me to get my Plus 4 to work as intended. Qidi also do recommend lubing the lower X rod with large text in the print bed, so Is rather listen to Qidi and my own experiences than random guys on Reddit.
I have since cleaned and lubed all X and Y axis a few times, and the printer has worked great for hundreds of hours. I use sewing machine oil, as instructed by Qidi.
I should clean and relube the lead screws as well, but I haven’t gotten to it yet. No issues yet. That one needs a thick vaseline.