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How can i check if my Ryobi Combination Miter Saw (newish) is missing a roller bearing?

I bought a rather nice (for my many uses) Ryobi two way Combination Miter Saw. I noticed today (Friday 18 April 2025) that the saw guide was somehow stuck; it would not roll back and forth on its two poles guide rails. After a more confident “nudge” it started rolling but sounded and felt a bit rough. so I remove the two cover plate (see photos) and cleaned up all I could (saw debris) and applied WD40 to get the guide moving.

Upon cleaning I noticed (see photos) that the housing that contains the roller bearings seems to have a bearing missing!

So my question is, should My Ryobi Miter have a Baeribg in that empty position?

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Noyade

Good afternoon @Nintiblue and @MitchellMc

Just outta curiosity I opened the back end of a cheap 'slider' and two roller bearings sighted.

Cheers.

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MitchellMc

I think that's a reasonable assumption to make, @Nintiblue. I'd certainly be thinking the same, and I can't imagine why the right-hand side wouldn't have a bearing in the same location. However, just because something looks like it should be there doesn't necessarily mean that it's missing.

I think it's going to be difficult for me to clarify whether there is meant to be a bearing there if you need to remove cover plates. Do you have your proof of purchase, and if so, what's your closest store? I'd be happy to contact them and organise a swap of the machine, due to it not functioning correctly.

Mitchell

Noyade

Good afternoon @Nintiblue and @MitchellMc

Just outta curiosity I opened the back end of a cheap 'slider' and two roller bearings sighted.

Cheers.

Nintiblue

G’Day Mitchell

Thank you for helping to check this out for me. It was party of my kids bday present to get it.

If it can be replace due to a missing bearing in production of it that would be reassuring for me. If they are not meant to have a bearing on one side that would be interesting to know though puzzling from a safety perspective.

Nailbag

Hi @Nintiblue , @MitchellMc & @MitchellMc

Looking at the exploded parts breakdown for the RMS254DB, there is not meant to be a sleeve bearing on the rear right hand side. This is not uncommon to see with non-trade models as a cost saving as the most likely reason. And being a DIY model, the bearings aren't replaceable that are part of the entire support arm assembly (E).

I can assure you though @Nintiblue this will have no impact on safety as there are very strict guidelines for CE approval. The number and quality of sleeve bearing and the seals can impact how smooth the saw draws in/out, the ability to keep debris out and operational life. That said, there is no need to replace the saw.

It will be all the fine debris thats affecting the saws smoothness in slide action. So, like any slide mitre saw of any brand or quality, the guide rails need to be wiped clean regularly with a cloth and use a something like a small paint brush to clean around the bearings entry points. This is where sawdust builds up through constant compression. I wouldn't recommend using the standard WD40 on the rails as it's more of a water displacement product than a lubricant causing dust to stick. Instead, use WD40 Specialist Silicone spray, which is excellent on any moving/sliding/rolling parts.

Out of interest @Nintiblue, I noticed the saw is covered in a fine white dust and was wondering what material you're cutting that creates that? This could also be. contributing factor.

Regards Nailbag

Screenshot 2025-04-20 at 8.10.28 am.png

Noyade

Lovely detective work Sherlock! @Nailbag 👍

Nailbag

Thanks @Noyade comes from decades in the industry and not being the first time it's been asked. I'ver quizzed the same myself to product managers who are under instruction to cut costs to meet a particular price-point that often is directed by the retailers.

Nailbag

MitchellMc

Hi @Nintiblue,

So sorry for the delay in my reply. It appears that @Nailbag has qualified that no bearing is located on that side. However, I've spoken to Ash in the Tool Shop at Bunnings Vermont South, and they'd be more than happy to take a look at the unit for you if it continues to get stuck or is not moving smoothly.

Mitchell

Noyade

I dunno if you returned the Ryobi @Nintiblue - but here's a sliding saw I should have returned in 1999.

One bar.
Two sleeve bearings.

And a sort of bicycle 'training wheel' extension with two bearings squeezed between a piece of steel plate and the frame to provide stability.

The only thing it provided was a physical workout.

It took excessive force to move the cutting head back and forth. There were other problems as well.

Nintiblue

Thank you @Nailbag

That exploded diagram clarifies the design factor well.

Also, thank you for the tip to switch to use WD40 Specialist Silicone spray; on my list now for the next trip to Bunnings. 👌🙌

Nailbag

Your welcome @Nintiblue

This is another very good one as a dry lubricant that I use.

Nailbag

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