# Extruder (/docs/v4/replacement/extruder)



This guide covers replacing the extruder on the Vision Miner 22IDEX 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.

<Callout type="error" title="Before you begin - safety and risk">
  Read the [Safety - Before You Begin](/docs/v4/reference/safety-before-you-begin) article to understand the hazards involved in working on the Vision Miner 22IDEX V4 - including electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical risks. All procedures in this wiki are provided as recommendations only. By choosing to follow any procedure, you do so at your own risk.
</Callout>

<Callout type="info">
  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.
</Callout>

## Tools and Materials [#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 [#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 [#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).

<DocImage alt="Location of fan shroud and cable cover screws on Tool 0 (left side)." size="small" />

5. Remove the cable cover and the fan shroud.

<DocImage alt="Fan shroud and cable cover removed, exposing terminal block and wiring." size="small" />

<Callout type="info">
  Before disconnecting any wires, note (or photograph) the wire positions and order on the terminal block. This will make reassembly much easier.
</Callout>

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. Support the terminal block holder from behind while pressing the release tab – pressing without counter-support can bend or break the holder. Note the wire order before disconnecting: **black wire on top, red wire second from top**.

<DocImage alt="Disconnecting the fan wire by pressing the orange release tab with a 2 mm hex screwdriver." size="small" />

## Removing the Hotend Assembly [#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.

<DocImage alt="Disconnecting hotend cables from the terminal block." size="small" />

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

<DocImage alt="Location of two screws securing the hotend assembly to the extruder." size="small" />

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

<DocImage alt="Hotend assembly removed from the extruder." size="small" />

## Removing the Terminal Block Holder [#removing-the-terminal-block-holder]

10. Disconnect the motor cable from the motor.

<DocImage alt="Disconnecting the motor cable from the motor connector." size="small" />

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.

<DocImage alt="Location of two screws on the back of the terminal block holder." size="small" />

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).

<DocImage alt="Bottom screw securing the terminal block holder to the tool plate." size="small" />

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

<DocImage alt="Terminal block holder and cable channel removed and set aside." size="small" />

## Removing the Motor and Extruder Assembly [#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.

<DocImage alt="Location of two screws underneath the motor+extruder assembly." size="small" />

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

<DocImage alt="Motor and extruder assembly removed from the tool plate." size="small" />

## Separating the Extruder from the Motor [#separating-the-extruder-from-the-motor]

<Callout type="info">
  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.
</Callout>

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

<DocImage alt="Two diagonal screws on the front face of the extruder." size="small" />

17. Unscrew both screws using a 2 mm hex screwdriver.
18. Separate the extruder from the motor.

<DocImage alt="Extruder separated from the motor." size="small" />

## Reassembly [#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.

<DocImage alt="New extruder aligned and attached to the motor with two diagonal screws." size="small" />

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

<DocImage alt="Motor+extruder assembly positioned on tool plate with screws inserted from below." size="small" />

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). 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.

<DocImage alt="Motor cable reconnected to the motor connector." size="small" />

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

<DocImage alt="Hotend assembly installed and secured with two screws." size="small" />

25. Reconnect all hotend cables to the terminal block in the same positions as before disassembly. Refer to the photo you took in step 6.

<DocImage alt="All hotend cables reconnected to the terminal block in their original positions." size="small" />

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.

<DocImage alt="Fan shroud and cable cover reinstalled and secured." size="small" />

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

## FAQ [#faq]

<Accordions>
  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>
</Accordions>

## Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

<Accordions>
  <Accordion title="Extruder does not feed filament after replacement">
    **Symptoms:** Extruder does not feed filament after replacement.

    **Cause:** Extruder lever tension is not adjusted correctly.

    **Solutions:** Set the adjustment lever to the position required for your filament. See our guide: [Extruder Lever Position](/docs/all/printing/extruder-lever)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Extruder motor does not spin after reassembly">
    **Symptoms:** Extruder motor does not spin after reassembly.

    **Cause:** Motor cable is not connected or not fully seated.

    **Solutions:** Turn off the printer, check the motor cable connector – it must be fully inserted and securely locked.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Hotend cables do not lock into the terminal block">
    **Symptoms:** Hotend cables do not lock into the terminal block.

    **Cause:** Orange release tabs are damaged or wires are not inserted fully.

    **Solutions:** 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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Terminal block holder is bent or loose">
    **Symptoms:** Terminal block holder is bent or loose.

    **Cause:** The holder was bent during cable disconnection without counter-support from behind.

    **Solutions:** Straighten the holder manually (if the deformation is minor) or replace it. Always support the holder from behind during cable work.
  </Accordion>
</Accordions>

## Support [#support]

If you could not find an answer here, reach out to our [support team](/support).