Lubricating Z-axis rack/pinion

[Mike]

Should the rack & pinion be lubricated periodically? If so, with what?

[SkyWalker]

Every 6 month i clean down and apply a light smear of a very light machine grease.

Couldn't tell you what it is - we had it for 30 year or more! lol

We do the same for all our machinery.

[Gopher]

The z-axis is subject to wear so you need to be sure you don't leave it covered in something sticky that picks up dirt and exacerbates the situation. I occasionally gives ours a clean with a cotton bud and a little light oil to make sure nothing it caked on, especially the slide so it runs freely. While you are doing this you can take a nice look at the condition of the gearing, when it goes, you'll know about it.