The feeder forwards filament to the print head. To make sure that exactly the right amount of material is extruded, it is important that the feeder gears can turn smoothly. After many hours of printing, or when material has been ground down, there is a chance that there are small filament particles in the feeder.

It is recommended to clean the inside of the feeder and lubricate the feeder gear at least once a year. Cleaning the feeder is also recommended after you have experienced issues with grinding of the material. In order to do this, the feeder must be removed from the printer.

For this maintenance procedure, you will need the 2 mm hex screwdriver, a small brush, and some grease.

Caution: Before you start, turn off the printer or ensure the Ultimaker 2+ Connect cannot accept new print jobs through the Digital Factory.

Clean the inside of the feeder

1. Start by removing the material. Navigate to Materials → Unload material and remove the spool
2. Remove the clamp clip from the feeder-end of the Bowden tube, press down on the tube coupling collet and pull the Bowden tube upwards out of the feeder
3. Use the hex screwdriver to loosen the two bolts that hold the feeder to the back panel and remove the feeder from the printer
4. Reduce the tension of the feeder by turning the bolt in the top of the feeder with the hex screwdriver, until the indicator is completely at the top
5. Use the hex screwdriver to loosen the four bolts of the feeder housing
6. Carefully take the two halves of the feeder apart and place the tube coupling collet aside
   

   Tip: Be careful not to lose the ring that is located at the bottom of the feeder. If it falls out, place it back in the feeder housing with the widest side at the bottom.

7. Use a small brush to gently clean all filament particles from the knurled wheel and the interior of the feeder housing
8. Place the front part over the feeder again and firmly push it into place. Insert the four bolts and tighten them in a cross pattern, starting in the top-left corner
   

   Tip: Ensure that the bolt of the tension indicator is on the inside of the feeder housing before securing the two halves

9. Insert the tube coupling collet into the feeder
10. Reset the tension of the feeder by turning the bolt in the top of the feeder, until the indicator is at the middle mark

Lubricate the feeder gear

1. While the feeder is removed from the printer, use a clean cloth or a cotton swab to wipe all filament particles and grease residue from the feeder gears
2. Clean both the gear connected to the motor and the larger gear inside the feeder
3. Apply a small amount of grease to the gear attached to the feeder motor. Use the grease that was supplied in the accessory box
4. There is no need to spread this out; the feeder will do this automatically when it turns

Attach the feeder

After performing both maintenance actions, secure the feeder to the back panel again.

1. Align the feeder with the back panel and feeder gear
2. Secure the feeder with the two bolts, using the hex screwdriver
3. Insert the Bowden tube into the feeder by pressing down on the tube coupling collet in the feeder and pushing the Bowden tube all the way in
4. Secure the tube with the clamp clip

Tip: It is also recommended to replace the Bowden tube once a year. Follow these instructions simultaneously with cleaning the feeder