Service Home Haas Axis Lubrication Oil - Troubleshooting Guide
Last updated: 09/25/2023

Haas Axis Lubrication Oil - Troubleshooting Guide

Haas Axis Lubrication Oil - Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction

  1. Axis-Lube Air Solenoid
  2. Metal Canister Oil Reservoir
  3. Air Pressure Gauge
  4. HALO Manifold
  5. Ballnut
  6. Linear Guide Truck
  7. Axis Oil Manifold
  8. Orifice Fitting - Oil flows in a helical shape around a set screw and oversize drilled thread. Do not remove the set screw from the orifice fitting.
  9. Pressure Sensor: 4 PSI switch, normally open (not shown, located behind [4])
Alarm 2075 Checklist

System Operation Overview

The Haas Axis lubrication Oil system utilizes shop air pressure to pressurize the HALO reservoir via a 120VAC solenoid. Both components are located inside the air/lube cabinet

The lubrication cycle will be initiated when:

  1. The axes have been in motion for the time specified in Setting 277 (3 hours by default).
  2. The machine has been idle for 12 hours (specified in Parameter 1401).
  3. If the user presses [F2] while in the LUBE MAINTENANCE section of the DIAGNOSTIC display.

The HALO manifold has two internal check valves [1] and [2]; internal snubber before the check valve [2]; the pressure gauge and the 4 PSI normally open pressure switch [3]. There are multiple lubrication lines coming out of the HALO manifold depending on the machine type and configuration. The lubrication lines that are routed above the air/oil pump will have a check valve [4] at the HALO manifold to prevent the oil from draining from the lines back to the reservoir between the lubrication cycles.

When a lubrication cycle is commanded, the solenoid applies air pressure to the HALO reservoir for 3 seconds (specified in Parameter 2027), which forces the oil to move up the pick-up tube [5] and into the HALO manifold. The oil flows through the lubrication lines to the lubrication points where it gets pushed through the restrictors into the components that require the lubrication (ballscrew, linear guides pads, etc). Once the cycle ends, the pressure from the HALO reservoir is vented to the atmosphere, the check valve [1] traps the pressurized oil in the manifold and it will start to flow through the snubber and the check valve [2] back to the HALO canister until the pressure in the manifold drops to 0 PSI.

During the lubrication cycle the control monitors the pressure in the lubrication manifold in order to detect a failure of the lubrication system.

When the solenoid is commanded to turn on, the control begins to monitor the status of the pressure switch [3]. The switch is expected to close within 3 seconds (specified in Parameter 1374) from the moment that the solenoid was commanded ON. Once the pressure is detected it is expected to stay for at least 15 seconds (specified in Parameter 1375). If all of the above statements were satisfied during the cycle then the lubrication cycle is considered successful.

If pressure in the system was not detected within 3 seconds (specified in the Parameter 1374) the control will stop monitoring the pressure and display the “Low Lube” warning icon until the next lube cycle. If such a condition was detected for 5 consecutive lube cycles, then the control will generate the Alarm 2073 AXIS LUBRICATION PRESSURE NOT DETECTED. The alarm will not be generated during a program execution, it will only be generated after the program execution ends or after pressing a [RESET] button.

If the pressure in the system drops below 4 PSI before 15 seconds (specified in Parameter 1375), the control will display “Low Lube” warning icon until the next lube cycle. If such a condition is detected for the next 4 consecutive lube cycles (5 total cycles) the control will generate the Alarm 2075 AXIS LUBRICATION RESERVOIR IS EMPTY. The alarm will not be generated during a program execution. It will be generated after the program execution ends or after pressing a [RESET] button.

Symptom Table

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Low Lube Icon

 When the axis lube solenoid was commanded the system never detected pressure or the pressure duration was too short. Inspect the reservoir assembly and make sure the check valves are not stuck or sticking. Also refer to the Check Valve O-rings section below to verify the o-rings are seated properly.
Alarm 2075 AXIS LUBRICATION RESERVOIR EMPTY Air in axis lubrication line. The reason for the air in the lines needs to be identified and corrected. See the ALARM 2075: AXIS LUBRICATION RESERVIOR EMPTY section.
The check valves may be sticking and causing excessive oil usage. Inspect the reservoir assembly and make sure the check valves are not stuck or sticking. Also refer to the Check Valve O-rings section below to verify the o-rings are seated properly.
There may be debris in the HALO manifold and/or in front of the pressure sensor. Clean out the HALO manifold and clean around the pressure switch.
There may be air in the lube lines. Prime the lube lines and make sure no air is leaking from the HALO manifold when the system is pressurized.
Lathes do not have an added check valve on their x-axis and y-axis (if applicable) lubrication lines. Verify the lathe has the correct amount of check valves on its lubrication lines, the configurations can be seen below in the HALO Lubrication Lines Configurations section.
UMC's do not have the added check valves to their lubrication lines. Verify the UMC has the correct amount of check valves on its lubrication lines, the configurations can be seen below in the HALO Lubrication Lines Configurations section.
The correct configuration of check valves needed may not be installed in the HALO manifold. Verify the correct amount of check valves are on the lubrication lines, the configurations can be seen below in the HALO Lubrication Lines Configurations section.
Alarm 2073 AXIS LUBRICATIONPRESSURE NOT DETECTED Solenoid not supplying air to HALO system. See solemoid troubleshooting section in the Alarm 2075 section below.
Pressure switch not changing states. See section 4-5 of the Alarm 2075 troubleshooting guide
When refilling the oil reservoir, the filter is found to be crushed at the bottom. The pressure in the oil reservoir can cause the bottom of the filter to crush. A new filter that is reinforced has been created and can replace the old crushed filter. Order part number 58-2072A to replace a crushed filter.

HALO Lubrication Lines Configurations

                       

Mill Lubrication Lines

Note: UMC's will now need three (3) of kit 93-3610 to add check valves to all of the lubrication lines, the check valves are grey in image [2] to show where they need to be added.

Mills with a SMTC will need to add a .02" orifice (shown as the red component in the images) to their lube lines on the oil reservoir. Use the numbered images and the following list to see where the orifice needs to be added on the following machines:

  1. SMTC: VF - 1-9, DT, DM, VR-8, VM - 2/3/6, VC-400
  2. UMC 350-1600
  3. EC-400/500/500-50T/630/630-50T
  4. GM-2, GM-2-5AX
  5. VF - 10/11/12/13/14, VR - 9/10/11/12/13/14
  6. VMT-750
  7. VS-1/3

Note: A small amount of SMTC's do not have a servo carousel and therefore will not need the additional orifice. This means that any mills that only have 3 oil lines on the lubrication reservoir do not need the additional orifice.

Note: Not all lubrication configurations are shown, only configurations that are adding new fittings in the conversion process are shown for reference on where the new fitting goes.

Lathe Lubrication Lines

Note: Every Lathe will need at least one (1) of kit 93-3610. Lathes that also have a Y-Axis will need to order two (2) of kit 93-3610.

 Note: Tail stock fittings are shown as the blue component in the images. 

Lathes with a C-Axis will need to add a .02" orifice (shown as the red component in the images) to their lube lines on the oil reservoir. Lathes will also need to add an extra check valve and nipple fitting to the X-Axis and the Y-Axis if it has one (the X and Y axes are labeled in the image to the right). Use the numbered images and the following list to see where the orifice and fittings need to be added on the following machines:

8. Longbed & Non-longbed: CL, ST-10/15/20/25/28/30/35

9. Y-Axis Longbed & Non-longbed: ST-10Y/ 15Y/20Y/25Y/28Y/30Y/35Y, ST-10LY/15LY/20LY/25LY/28LY/30LY/35LY

10. C-Axis Longbed & Non-longbed: ST-10/ 15/20/25/28/30/35

11. C-Axis & Y-Axis Longbed & Non-longbed: ST-10Y/ 15Y/20Y/25Y/30Y/35Y

12. Longbed & C-Axis & Y-Axis & Sub-Spindle: DS-30Y, ST-10LY/ 15LY/20LY/25LY/28LY/30LY/35LY

13. Longbed & Tail Stock: ST-40/40L/45/45L/50/55

14. Longbed & C-Axis & Tail Stock: ST-40/45/50/55

15. Longbed/Non-Longbed & Tail Stock: ST-30/35

16. Longbed/Non-Longbed & Tail Stock & Y-Axis: ST-30Y/35Y

Note: Not all lubrication configurations are shown, only configurations that are adding new fittings in the conversion process are shown for reference on where the new fitting goes.

ALARM 2075: AXIS LUBRICATION RESERVIOR EMPTY

 Note: The specification for Haas Axis Lubrication Oil changed as of 2/2025. It is highly reccommended that HALO systems be converted to the current standard to prevent alarm 2075.

Lubricant, Grease, and Sealant Tables for Haas Machine Components

OIL REFILL, AXIS LUBE OIL - 1 GL / 3.78 L

1

Verify that the oil reservoir [A] is full.

Verify the machine is getting correct air pressure on the gauge [7], and on the gauges page on the Haas control.

Verify that air is being delivered to the HALO manifold [1 & 2] by manually triggering the solenoid. 

Verify that there are no leaks on the air line [5] between the solenoid and the HALO manifold.

Verify that the solenoid [6] works properly. Remove the air line [5] from the HALO manifold and run an axis lubrication cycle. 

   DIAGNOSTIC > MAINTENCANCE > LUBE    

 Note: If your machine has had an upgrade from the Haas liquid Grease (HLG) to the Haas Axis Lubrication Oil (HALO) then you must ensure you also apply the relating patch which modifies lubrication parameters.

Axis Lubrication Has Changed From Grease to Oil

 Note: Monthly maintenance procedures state that the axis lubrication oil should be checked once a month. Neglecting the alarm can cause air to be introduced into the lines affecting the function of the system. 

VMC Maintenance Schedule

Lathe - Maintenance - Haas Service Manual

SOLENOID TROUBLESHOOTING

2

Inspect the axis-lube air solenoid.

Do the Axis Lubrication Test and make sure the voltage to the HALO solenoid is 120 VAC.

 Note: Do not measure the voltage with the HALO solenoid disconnected from the connector.

Refer to the I/O PCB - Troubleshooting Guide (Classic Haas Control) to troubleshoot the I/O PCB.

Refer to the Solenoid Troubleshooting Guide to troubleshoot the solenoid.

If the solenoid is not activating when commanded, check for:

  • The connector being in the correct location.
  • Loose or broken wires.
  • Air coming out of the solenoid without the tube connected.
  • Firm solenoid cable connection at the I/O board.

3

Verify that the manifold is configured properly, reference the HALO LUBRICATION LINES CONFIGURATIONS section above.

Verify that the HALO manifold and reservoir [2] are not leaking. 

Verify that all lines are properly secured into their push connect fittings [1] and that the threaded fittings are fastened tightly.

 Note: Vertical axes and SMTC lines will likely include check valves.

4

Check the states on the I/O tab for the solenoid output and the pressure gauge input. 

Run the axis lubrication cycle.

    DIAGNOSTIC > MAINTENCANCE > LUBE  

Observe the value changes in the I/O tab while the cycle takes place to verify the bits are changing.

  • The pressure gauge input should change from a 1 to 0 and back to 1 during the cycle.
  • The  solenoid output should change from a 0 to 1 and back to 0 during the cycle.
NAME P# TYPE SW# HW# CONNECTOR INITIAL VALUE
LOW_AXIS_GREASE_PRESSURE P48 INPUT 24 IO20 P48.47 1
AXIS_GREASE_PUMP P17, P15 OUTPUT 68 O003 P35.2, P17.2 0

PRESSURE SWITCH TROUBLESHOOTING

5

If the LOW_AXIS_GREASE_PRESSURE input does not change states.

 Note: For NGC check the software version on the machine. The machine must have software version 100.16.000.1020 or higher. Update the machine software if necessary.

Disconnect the cables from the pressure switch and use a jumper to connect them as shown. The pressure switch is behind the grease manifold

  • If the input changes from a 1 to a 0, the pressure switch is working properly.

Measure continuity from the IO board to the switch.

  • If there is no continuity then the cable may be bad.

Measure the resistance across the the pressure switch terminals while running the lube cycle.

  • If the resistance reads 'OL' then measures a value of resistance then reads 'OL' again the pressure switch is working properly. If it does not then the pressure switch may be faulty.

MANIFOLD TROUBLESHOOTING

6

Remove all oil lines and plug all ports [1] on the HALO manifold and activate the lube cycle.

    DIAGNOSTIC > MAINTENCANCE > LUBE  

If the pressure drop at the HALO manifold gauge [2] is less than 15 seconds it will generate the low lube icon, this indicates that there is a leak in manifold and requires further troubleshooting.

If the manifold holds pressure for longer than 15 seconds and no icon shows on the monitor, it is working as intended, and the rest of the system needs to be troubleshot.

7

If the HALO manifold pressure falls rapidly remove and check the condition of the manifold's check valves [1 & 2] located at the top and bottom.

Inspect the assembly and make sure the check valves are not stuck or sticking. Clean and replace where necessary.

Check for air and oil leaks around all connections and ports.

LUBRICATION LINE TROUBLESHOOTING

8

To test for a failed line that is leaking:

  • Choose one non-check valve port to test with [1]. For UMC machines a push connect fitting can be installed on one of the unused ports [4] at the bottom of the HALO manifold.
  • Remove and mark the position of the oil lines.
  • Plug all ports except the chosen non-check valve port [2] on the HALO manifold.
  • Pick a line to test and connect it into the chosen non-check valve port. Manually actuate the solenoid for 10 seconds and wait for the pressure guage to drop to zero psi. Repeat this step until the line holds for longer than 15 seconds.
  • Activate the axis lubrication cycle with the chosen line to determine if the system will generate low reservoir icon or the 2075 alarm.

  Run the axis lubrication cycle.

        DIAGNOSTIC > MAINTENCANCE > LUBE

  • If the machine generates the 2075 alarm or Low lube icon message, this can indicate that the system is not fully purged. Continue manual actuation of the solenoid. 
  • If the pressure is consistently dropping rapidly this indicates an issue down the line and it needs to be fully troubleshot.
  • If it does not generate the alarm or the low lube icon message move on to the next line, removing the previously tested line from the chosen non-check valve port and plugging the new line into that same port.

Repeat this process for all oil lines connected to the HALO manifold until the lines which generate the alarm or icon have been identified. 

9

If the alarm is generated on a single axis this may indicate that this line is causing the alarm.

The assembly being fed by this line must then be examined.

If the line has a check valve at the HALO manifold, verify that it is in working condition.

To verify if a linear axis has a leak or not, the axis oil manifold and its connections to the trucks and ball nut must be observed.

Clean these components and run the lubrication cycle looking for leaks.

PRIMING THE HALO SYSTEM

10

If no leaks are found after troubleshooting the HALO manifold and the axis oil lines, perform the following steps.

 Note: An empty HALO reservoir is the most common way to introduce air into the lines. 

Reconnect all lines to the HALO manifold and verify the reservoir is full.

To purge the system:

  • Gain access the axis oil manifolds [3] and the tool changer port. C-axis port for lathes.
  • Remove an axis line [2] individually from an axis oil manifold [3] at the barb fitting.
  • Manually actuate the lubrication solenoid until the line is individually purged of air. Air trapped in the middle of the lines is a large concern.

 Note: If the reservoir runs empty during this step air will be introduced into the system and the step will have to be repeated. Large machines will be more vulnerable to this case.

  • Reinstall the primed line onto the axis manifold [3].
  • Manually actuate the lubrication solenoid five times for 10 seconds at 15 second intervals to purge the axis lube assembly.
  • Refill the oil reservoir [1] if needed.

Activate the axis lubrication cycle to determine if the system will generate low reservoir icon or the 2075 alarm.

                        DIAGNOSTIC > MAINTENCANCE > LUBE

  • Repeat for all lines.

 Note: Observing the mill or lathe maintenance schedule will reduce the risk of air intrusion. An empty HALO reservoir is the most common way to introduce air into the lines. 

VMC Maintenance Schedule

Lathe - Maintenance - Haas Service Manual