Extruder

This guide covers replacing the extruder on the 22 IDEX V4. You may need this procedure if the extruder is jammed, damaged, worn out, or if you are upgrading to a different extruder model. The procedure applies to both Tool 0 (left) and Tool 1 (right) � the steps are identical but mirrored.

Info: IMPORTANT: This is an advanced procedure that requires careful preparation and takes a significant amount of time. Read through the entire guide before starting, and make sure you have all the tools and the replacement extruder ready. IMPORTANT: The procedure described below uses Tool 0 (left toolhead) as the reference. For Tool 1 (right toolhead), all steps are mirrored � the fan shroud and cable cover screws are on the right side instead of the left (when viewed from the front of the printer). All other steps are the same.

Safety and Warnings

Warning: WARNING: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power outlet. Make sure the printer is completely powered off before starting any work. WARNING: Wait at least 60 seconds after powering off for the capacitors to discharge. WARNING: The nozzle and heater block may still be hot after a recent print. Let them cool to room temperature before touching. WARNING: Small screws and parts can fall onto the print bed and damage it. Always cover the bed before starting.

Tools and Materials

• 2 mm Hex screwdriver (hex wrench)
• 2.5 mm Hex screwdriver (hex wrench)
• Threadlocker (we recommend Loctite 243)
• Replacement extruder
• Soft cloth or protective material (to cover the print bed)

Preparation

1. Unload the filament from the toolhead you are working on.
2. Lower the bed to approximately the middle of the printer to create working space above it.
3. Cover the bed with a soft cloth or protective material to prevent damage from dropped screws or parts.

Removing the Fan Shroud and Cable Cover

4. Unscrew the two screws holding the cable cover and fan shroud using a 2 mm hex screwdriver. On Tool 0, the screws are on the left side; on Tool 1, on the right side (when viewed from the front of the printer).

5. Remove the cable cover and the fan shroud.

Info: IMPORTANT: Before disconnecting any wires, note (or photograph) the wire positions and order on the terminal block. This will make reassembly much easier.

6. Disconnect the fan wire from the terminal block. Press the orange release tab on the connector using a 2 mm hex screwdriver while supporting the terminal block holder from behind to avoid bending it. Note the wire order before disconnecting: black wire on top, red wire second from top.

Warning: IMPORTANT: Support the terminal block holder from behind while pressing the release tab. Pressing without counter-support can bend or break the holder.

Removing the Hotend Assembly

7. Disconnect all cables going to the hotend from the terminal block. Use the same technique as in step 6 � press the orange release tabs with a 2 mm hex screwdriver while supporting the holder from behind.

8. Unscrew the two screws holding the hotend assembly using a 2 mm hex screwdriver.

9. Remove the hotend assembly (heatsink, heatbreak, heater block, nozzle, and PEEK transition piece) from the extruder. Set it aside on a clean surface.

Removing the Terminal Block Holder

10. Disconnect the motor cable from the motor.

11. Unscrew two screws on the back of the terminal block holder using a 2.5 mm hex screwdriver. These screws attach the holder to the motor.

12. Unscrew one screw from the bottom of the terminal block holder using a 2 mm hex screwdriver. This screw attaches the holder to the tool plate (the mounting plate between the carriage and the extruder/motor).

13. The cable channel with its bracket is now fully separated from the extruder and motor assembly. Move it aside carefully.

Removing the Motor and Extruder Assembly

14. Unscrew two screws from underneath the extruder using a 2 mm hex screwdriver. These screws attach the motor+extruder assembly to the tool plate from below.

15. Remove the motor and extruder assembly from the tool plate.

Separating the Extruder from the Motor

Info: IMPORTANT: Only perform this step if the motor is in good condition and you are reusing it. If you are replacing the entire motor+extruder assembly, skip to the Reassembly section.

16. On the front face of the extruder, locate two diagonally positioned screws as shown in the photo.

17. Unscrew both screws using a 2 mm hex screwdriver.

18. Separate the extruder from the motor.

Reassembly

Reassemble in reverse order. Follow the steps below � they highlight the critical details that differ from simple reversal.

19. Attach the new extruder to the motor. Align it and secure with the two diagonal screws.

20. Place the motor+extruder assembly onto the tool plate. Insert the two screws from underneath � hand-tighten only, do not fully tighten yet.

21. Secure the terminal block holder with two screws on the back (2.5 mm hex screwdriver) and one screw on the bottom (2 mm hex screwdriver).

Warning: IMPORTANT: Apply threadlocker to the bottom screw of the terminal block holder before installing it.

22. Tighten the two screws that hold the extruder from below.

23. Reconnect the motor cable to the motor.

24. Install the hotend assembly into the extruder and secure with two screws using a 2 mm hex screwdriver.

25. Reconnect all hotend cables to the terminal block in the same positions as before disassembly. Refer to the photo you took in step 5.

26. Reconnect the fan wire: black wire on top, red wire second from top. Press the connector straight in until the orange tab clicks.

27. Install the fan shroud and then the cable cover. Secure with two screws using a 2 mm hex screwdriver.

28. Remove the protective material from the bed. The extruder replacement is complete.

FAQ

Do I need to calibrate after replacing the extruder?

Yes � run the full auto-calibration procedure after replacing the extruder. The replacement affects the Z-offset and toolhead geometry.

Can I reuse the old screws?

Yes, as long as the hex head is not stripped. Clean off the old threadlocker residue and apply fresh threadlocker before reinstalling.

Can I use a Tool 0 extruder on Tool 1 (and vice versa)?

Yes � the extruders for Tool 0 and Tool 1 are identical. The only difference is the mirrored position of the fan shroud and cable cover.

Do I need to remove the hotend to replace the extruder?

Yes � the hotend assembly must be removed to access the extruder mounting and disconnect the cables.

Do I need to unload filament before the replacement?

Yes � always unload filament before starting the procedure. Filament left in the hotend will make it harder to remove the hotend assembly.

Troubleshooting

• Issue: Extruder does not feed filament after replacement.
• Cause: Extruder lever tension is not adjusted correctly.
• Solution: Set the adjustment lever to the position required for your filament. See our guide: Extruder Lever Position

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• Issue: Extruder motor does not spin after reassembly.
• Cause: Motor cable is not connected or not fully seated.
• Solution: Turn off the printer, check the motor cable connector � it must be fully inserted and securely locked.

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• Issue: Hotend cables do not lock into the terminal block.
• Cause: Orange release tabs are damaged or wires are not inserted fully.
• Solution: Check the tab condition. Push the wire in until it clicks � it should hold when pulled gently. If the tab is damaged, replace the terminal block.

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• Issue: Terminal block holder is bent or loose.
• Cause: The holder was bent during cable disconnection without counter-support from behind.
• Solution: Straighten the holder manually (if the deformation is minor) or replace it. Always support the holder from behind during cable work.

Support

Vision Miner Support

• Email: support@visionminer.com
• Phone: +1 (949) 522-4422