Bambu Lab A1 Mini extruder clicking and filament feed issue

Hello,

I’m trying to troubleshoot a hardware issue on my Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo 3D printer and would appreciate any guidance.

Hardware reference (for clarity): Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo 3D printer

Issue description:

During prints, especially at higher speeds or when more filament is needed, the extruder begins to click repeatedly and the filament feed becomes inconsistent. This often results in under-extrusion or gaps in the print. The printer pauses or slows unexpectedly as well.

What I have checked so far:

• Filament spool tension and re-feeding
• Nozzle temperature settings
• Cleaned the nozzle and heat break
• Verified filament is not tangled

At this point I’m trying to determine whether this is likely due to a mechanical feed problem (gears, tensioner, idler), a drive motor issue, or a sensor/stepper calibration issue.

Specifically, I’m interested in:

• Common mechanical causes of clicking extrusion on this or similar models
• How to inspect the extruder gears and tension assembly safely
• Any recommended checks for stepper motor performance or idler alignment

Thanks in advance for any repair/inspection advice — I’m trying to identify whether this is a hardware fault or a setup calibration issue.