I should have built a RepRap 3D printer on my own. Part of the decision to purchase the Replicator 2 was so that I could print out of the box and not worry about messing with the internal components. Well that dream is gone, but thankfully MakerBot support has been helpful (albeit a bit slow) & courteous.
Problem #1: loud grinding on y-axis (semi-fixed with electrical tape)
Problem #2: detached thermocouple lead (fixed)
Problem #3: bad stepper controller board, known to Makerbot users as the BotStep
This video shows the process I went through to discover the BotStep was bad as suggested by MakerBot support.
I also talk about the Blade mQX boom that I'll be printing for my first quad part. I had originally intended on printing a plastic gear that broke, but given the amount of trouble I've had getting the Replicator 2 up and running I'm going to set the bar really low for my first part :)