How to Replace the Cam Followers on a Milwaukee Band Saw

Squealing sound coming from your band saw? You might have a bad cam follower. The cam followers are attached to the saw's guide blocks. There are total of six cam followers: Three on the front guide block and three on the rear guide block. Four of the cam followers prevent the blade from moving laterally (side-to-side), which helps the saw cut straight. The other two cam followers support the back of the blade (so it doesn't track off the tire while you are cutting). The cam followers are small bearings, and eventually they will wear out and seize. A worn cam follower can create a squealing sound when it fails. The cam followers should be inspected occasionally, and replaced when they show signs of failure.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE CAM FOLLOWER(S)   1. Inspect the bearings.

a. There are six cam followers on your band saw: three on each blade guide assembly. Two cam followers (one on either guide) can be easily replaced without removing the blade guide assemblies. (Use a screwdriver to remove the old cam followers and install the new ones.)

b. Replacing any of the remaining cam followers requires the removal of its respective blade guide assembly. 2. Remove the blade guide(s).

a. If removing the rear blade guide, use a short screwdriver to remove the screw securing the bumper to the blade guide. (The front blade guide doesn’t have a bumper.)

b. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw securing the front portion of the blade guide (directly above the two cam followers).

c. Invert the saw to access and remove the second screw (from the back side of the housing).

d. Remove the blade guide from the saw.

  3. Remove the cam follower(s).

a. Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the cam followers from the blade guide assembly.

INSTALLING THE NEW CAM FOLLOWER(S)

  4. Install the cam follower(s).

a. Apply a small amount of thread sealant to the threads of the new cam follower(s).

b. Use a screwdriver to install and secure the new cam follower(s) onto the blade guide(s).

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  5. Reinstall the blade guide(s).

a. Install the blade guide(s) onto the saw. The two rollers should face the center of the saw. The single roller should face the wheel.

b. Secure the blade guide(s) with the screws.