# SV08 Max Layer Shifts, AB Belt Tension & Possible Bad Stepper?
**URL:** https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827
**Category:** Sovol SV08 MAX
**Created:** [October 3, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827 "2025-10-03T15:34:38Z")
**Posts on this page:** 9
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@joymonkey](https://forum.sovol3d.com/u/joymonkey)
#### Post date: [October 3, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827/1 "2025-10-03T15:34:38Z")
I set up my SV08 Max a couple of weeks ago, and got it to print the included Benchy fine, but since then I’ve been having trouble with major layer shifts that prevent any print from completing. I’ve been adjusting my AB belt tension, getting it to 140hz as recommended, but the layer shifts persist. Today when I went to continue troubleshooting I noticed the XY homing sequence sounds and looks terrible (as if the steppers are loosing steps). Could this all be due to a bad stepper motor?
I was curious if my X stepper’s pulley was perhaps loose, so I recorded a quick video (doing an XY home from bed center), and it doesn’t appear to be moving correctly. You can also hear the issue I’m experiencing here…
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrpo1wuWG1U)
After homing if I attempt to move the toolhead in the Y+ direction it will move diagonally towards the center of the bed.
Any suggestions on what I can check here?
---
### Author:  [@KoizumiChineko](https://forum.sovol3d.com/u/KoizumiChineko)
#### Post date: [October 3, 2025, 4:11pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827/2 "2025-10-03T16:11:08Z")
for AB recommended starting point value is 110 Hz, 140 Hz is for Z Axis
---
### Author:  [@cardoc](https://forum.sovol3d.com/u/cardoc)
#### Post date: [October 3, 2025, 6:25pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827/3 "2025-10-03T18:25:47Z")
Do you have a support ticket open? If not get one started.
It defiantly sounds like your loosing steps. The frame rate of the video VS RPM of the motor makes drawing any conclusions from the video challenging.
It is 10x as likely there is a mechanical issue with the gantry over a bad stepper. Slack off both belts and verify the gantry moves smoothly in both the X and Y axis.
---
### Author:  [@joymonkey](https://forum.sovol3d.com/u/joymonkey)
#### Post date: [October 3, 2025, 6:48pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827/4 "2025-10-03T18:48:04Z")
Thanks! I don’t have an open support ticket. Sending an email to [info@sovol3d.com](mailto:info@sovol3d.com) now to get one started.
---
### Author:  [@joymonkey](https://forum.sovol3d.com/u/joymonkey)
#### Post date: [October 3, 2025, 8:31pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827/5 "2025-10-03T20:31:10Z")
Thank you. I’ve read (in the SV08 Max Facebook group and [on this forum](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shift-on-test-benchy/8741/5)) that for the SV08 it’s 110 Hz for AB belts, but for the SV08 Max to shoot for 140 Hz. Are you sure 110hz is correct for the SV08 Max AB belt tension?
---
### Author:  [@KoizumiChineko](https://forum.sovol3d.com/u/KoizumiChineko)
#### Post date: [October 3, 2025, 8:43pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827/6 "2025-10-03T20:43:42Z")
As far as I know 140 Hz is OK, but 110 Hz is starting point for AB
---
### Author:  [@cardoc](https://forum.sovol3d.com/u/cardoc)
#### Post date: [October 3, 2025, 8:44pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827/7 "2025-10-03T20:44:25Z")
Before you worry about belt tension you NEED to check the gantry for binding/sticking/bad linear rails.
---
### Author:  [@carbonal](https://forum.sovol3d.com/u/carbonal)
#### Post date: [October 22, 2025, 9:30pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827/8 "2025-10-22T21:30:53Z")
Hi just thought I would let you know my SV08 Max had the exact same problem as in the video and it turned out to be the X stepper motor , which Sovol sent me both motors within a week .When I changed the X motor it worked fine . Took the old motor apart and the top bearing had completely seized
---
### Author:  [@joymonkey](https://forum.sovol3d.com/u/joymonkey)
#### Post date: [November 11, 2025, 3:43pm UTC](https://forum.sovol3d.com/t/sv08-max-layer-shifts-ab-belt-tension-possible-bad-stepper/8827/9 "2025-11-11T15:43:28Z")
I finally had time to troubleshoot further, and went through the list of items that Sovol had emailed me.
Surprisingly, the simplest check fixed everything. One of the AB motors must have been improperly connected (likely my own poor assembly). I disconnected them, plugged them back in, and just completed a 21 hour print without a problem.
So I’m in business now!