Z axis linear bearing replacement

Hi All,

Does anyone have any experience or understanding of how to replace a linear bearing on the Z axis?

Currently the right hand front z axis linear slide is making terrible noises and I cannot get the machine to complete a bed level without getting an ‘external disturbance’ error. I suspect something is wrong with the bearing.

It looks as though the top end of the linear rail is held by a plastic part that is screwed to the frame. I think this needs to come out to then remove the linear rod. However, that plastic part is ‘bonded’ to the frame in 2 spots with something, I don’t know what (see below). It’s quite a hard material, and not easy to remove. Before I go about trying to gouge that stuff out, I wanted to check that is the right thing to do.

image

I’ve spent lots of time trawling the web and have failed to find any info on a similar problem, or any info on removing/replacing one of the linear bearings. Any help is greatly appreciated.

What does it look like onthe underside of the bearing? Can you use a small punch and carefully tape the bearing out from the underside?

No, not that bearing sorry. The photo is only to show the parts with the arrow.
It is the linear rail bearing I need to replace, the LMU8