Rack and Pinion Maintenance?

[ssutton]

OK, I will power up for the first time in February. I have built a MechMate clone type machine with the MechMate rack and pinion. What are the maintenance requirements for the rack to last and run smooth?

1.Do you use a special lubricant?

2.What about spring pressure to engage the pinion into the rack, about how much pressure is correct?

3. How many hours of operation can I expect before the rack/pinion will need to be replaced?

Thanks,
Scott

[michaelthomas]

I saw some information on the Mechmate site a while back.

Regular grease or lithium grease on the rack.

I believe I read somewhere that 12Kg (26Lbs or so) for rack spring pressure. It would likely depend on the leverage ratio of the drive mounts. I bought a few different springs, and will start low and move up if necessary.

I have heard someone mention replacing the racks and pinions yearly under daily commercial use.....I really don't know myself as I'm just building my machine. I guess that would be about 1600 hours or so.