[codemonkey (Lee)]

Does anyone have any suggestions on what might cause asymmetry in the axes of an EQ6 mount?

I had problems with my DEC axis prior to doing a belt mod, which are persisting after doing it. I've now also noticed this in the RA axis, but I'm not sure if it was always like that and I've just never noticed. The RA isn't really a problem actually, it's just the DEC giving me grief.

So what I mean by asymmetry is that axis will move more freely at one point of rotation than at another. This makes gear meshing more difficult because to get it loose enough to rotate a full 360 degrees without binding, I think it makes it too loose in other parts.

I've got what is appearing to be very bad DEC backlash (takes PHD2 ~25 steps to clear when calibrating), but I've spent hours trying to get the gear meshing as close as I can without binding and I don't think I'm that far off, so my only thought at this point is that it's asymmetrical.

Everything is well-greased and all the bearings seem to be in good condition and move smoothly by hand.

Any thoughts?