If you’re facing Alarm 108 X Servo Overload on your CNC machine, it can be frustrating and potentially disruptive to production. But before calling in a technician or replacing expensive components, there are a few key steps you can take to diagnose and resolve the issue yourself. This guide will walk you through each part of the process so you can get your X-axis back up and running quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resolving X Servo Overload
Alarm 179 typically appears during machine power-up, during a tool change, while the spindle is running and performing a gear change, or any time the spindle is activated and the transmission pump should engage.
Understanding what’s behind Alarm 179 can help you fix the issue faster and avoid repeated downtime. Below are the most common culprits—each one tied to a specific part of your transmission oil system:
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Check for Mechanical Blockages
Start by pulling back the way covers on the X-axis and inspecting the area for any visible obstructions or mechanical jams that could be restricting movement. If anything is blocking the axis, clear it out carefully. Once the area is clear, attempt to press reset on the machine to see if the alarm clears.
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Swap the Amplifiers
If resetting the alarm doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to try swapping the amplifiers. This will help you determine whether the problem is with the amplifier itself. If you’re unsure how to do this, you can watch our detailed guide on amplifier troubleshooting for a step-by-step walkthrough.
- Test Manual Movement of the Ball ScrewTo test the ball screw, first make sure the E-stop is engaged to ensure your safety. Then, manually attempt to move the ball screw by hand. If it moves freely without resistance, it’s a good indication that the problem isn’t mechanical.
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Inspect the Home Switch
Depending on your machine’s setup, the home switch may be a physical push switch or a proximity sensor. Try manually pushing the home switch. If it’s a proximity sensor, place a metal object over it—if it’s working properly, a small light should illuminate. You can also verify switch function by viewing the diagnostic display; the home bit should change state when you press and release the switch.
- Use Setting 53 to Bypass Zero Return TemporarilyNavigate to Setting 53 on your machine—this is labeled “Jog Without Zero Return”—and turn it ON. With this setting enabled, slowly jog the X-axis until it is in the middle of its travel range. Once it’s positioned, try performing a Zero Return on the X-axis using the “X Single” function. If everything is functioning correctly, the axis should move in the right direction and the alarm should clear.
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What If the Alarm Persists?
If none of the previous steps resolve the issue, you may need to replace the servo amplifier with a verified working unit. It’s also important to inspect the system for worn ball screws, misaligned components, or potential electrical faults that could be causing the overload. Additionally, reviewing your CNC diagnostic logs can help identify any further error codes or system anomalies that may not be immediately visible. For reliable replacement parts—including X-axis servo amplifiers, home switches, and ball screws—shop CNC Replacement Parts.