AZ-EQ5 GT: Correction of the worm gear play of the DEC axis

On the Skywatcher AZ-EQ5 GT, the play between the worm and worm gear can be adjusted. This can be noticed by the fact that the DEC axis can move slightly despite being clamped.

Required Materials

AZ-EG5 GT
Phillips screwdriver
Open-end wrench or socket, size 7
Socket wrenches, size 2.0 and 3.0

Removing the DEC axis housing
 

First, use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the two lower side screws.

 

Then the upper screw.

Removing the stepper motor

The stepper motor can be removed, but it doesn't have to be. To show the steps more clearly, I decided to remove it.

Loosen the two black Allen screws and remove the timing belt.

The assembly should then look like this:

Adjusting the worm gear play

The worm gear play is adjusted using the black Allen screw (tension screw) and the two grub screws (thrust screws). The worm gear should still move, but the play should not be excessive.

Furthermore, the two distances A and B should be equal.

 

Adjusting the Timing Belt Tension

If the motor has been removed, the timing belt tension can be adjusted using the small 7 mm hex screw.