Information:

This guide covers how to replace a left or right Core-XY motor on a K1 Max which will require removing the top frame. There are lots of screws to undo although most are one of two types with a few extra odd longer ones for the glass door, filament sensor, PTFE tube clamp, and the motor.


Since this was first written the manufacturer (Creality) has released a youtube video covering this with a much more involved process removing and dissassembling the entire XY movement system: https://youtu.be/q2p3jABSZ0M?si=ax9LDaQ4oUkGOjqt



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Step by step tutorial:


Step 1: Unscrew and remove glass door (with caution)

Start by turning off the machine and removing the door. The door is held by a slider on the bottom with 2x longer countersunk tap screws holding it in place. When unscrewed, slowly move the slider out and the door will follow with it after some gentle wiggling.


Step 2: Unscrew acrylic panels and remove trim to reveal frame screws

Remove everything covering the top frame screws, including both acrylic panels and the vertical plastic and foam trims around the front door. Most screws require the same size 2 hex bit/ allen key. Unscrew the screws on the acrylic panel, leave the screws that are directly on the frame as these are not holding down the panels.


Step 3: Unscrew the screws inside the printer 

There are 6 screws that need to be undone that are located around the inside of the printer. These are attaching components to the top frame. There are:

2x dark countersunk tap screws holding the cable chain

2x silver long screws for the filament sensor

2x dark normal tap screws for PTFE filament tube bracket


Step 4: Unscrew the screws from top frame

Unscrew the top frame screws. In order to access the back two you may need to manipulate and bend the back panel slightly. But be careful as the z-rod is directly joined to the back panel and can be bent if you use too much pressure.


Step 5: Free the top frame (to access screw ontop of motor and idler)

Now the top frame should be loose and able to be freed. 


The only things still connecting it are the PTFE tube and the LED cable. The PTFE tube bracket can be disconnected from the tube by removing the blue clamp and pushing down the coupler and pulling it out from the tube

Remove the LED strip that is held with just hotglue under the top frame (on the front side under the "Creality" logo). Leave the connector in as it will likely be hard to disconnect, remember you will need to save this LED strip for later when the new top frame is installed so be careful when prying off from top frame. You will need hotglue or some other kind of non-conductive adhesive when reattaching this to the new top frame. 


Left Motor:

If you are replacing the Right Motor


otherwise continue here:


Step 6: Remove 2 screws on left motor bracket

To loosen the left motor from the frame, remove the two threadlocked screws on the left motor bracket. Take care not to strip the left screw as the y-rod is blocking access somewhat. An allen key would be recommended for this: 


Step 7: Remove screw on exterior

Now remove the screw located on the back panel of the machine:


Step 8: Remove screw on top of left motor and belt idler

Since the top frame is removed the screw located above the left motor facing down should be easily accessible. Unscrew this to free the motor from the frame.


Step 9: Loosen belt and replace left motor

Once these screws are removed the motor should feel loose with only the tension of the belt holding it in place. The belt needs to be loosened with enough slack so that the motor can be freed. Loosen the first two screws as the first image below depicts.


There should be a spare screw that comes with the printer in a bag as an accessory. This is used to loosen the actual belt via the idler. See second image below.

After this the left motor should be loose enough to remove, if not you need to disconnect the belt from the toolhead. From here you simply do the steps in reverse, attach the new left motor, tension the belts, and screw everything in place.


Creality video demonstrating the process of disconnecting and reconnecting + tensioning XY-belts on the toolhead but with a K1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4oi3hlLl3I


Right Motor:

Step 6: Remove 2 screws on right motor bracket

To loosen the right motor from the frame, remove the two threadlocked screws on the right motor bracket. Take care not to strip the right screw as the y-rod is blocking access somewhat. An allen key would be recommended for this: 



Step 7: Remove screw on exterior

Now remove the screw located on the back panel of the machine:


Step 8: Remove screw on top of right motor and belt idler

Since the top frame is removed the screw located above the right motor facing down should be easily accessible. Unscrew this to free the right motor from the frame.


Step 9: Loosen belt and replace right motor

Once these screws are removed the right motor should feel loose with only the tension of the belt holding it in place. The belt needs to be loosened with enough slack so that the right motor can be freed. Loosen the first two screws as the first image below depicts.


There should be a screw that comes with the printer in a bag as an accessory. This is used to loosen the actual belt via the idler. See second image below.

After this the right motor should be loose enough to remove, if not you need to disconnect the belt from the toolhead. From here you simply do the steps in reverse, attach the new right motor, tension the belts, and screw everything in place.


Creality video demonstrating the process of disconnecting and reconnecting + tensioning XY-belts on the toolhead but with a K1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4oi3hlLl3I



End of Guide