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

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