How to Replace the Motor Brushes on a Ryobi Random Orbital Sander

If raised grains and elbow strains are sanding away your patience, it's time to face the fix. Whether you are a seasoned construction professional or a seasonal sander, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

Motor brushes allow electricity to flow to the motor's spinning armature. The brushes are made of carbon, which will begin to wear down over time. When this happens, the motor no longer receives the electricity it needs to function smoothly. Symptoms of worn brushes include erratic or intermittent operation, decreased power, or a complete inability to activate the unit. The brushes for this model come as an assembly consisting of a brush and a brush holder (so you'll want to replace these in pairs).

If the brushes on your random orbital sander have become rough around the edges, this article will show you how to smoothly and expertly remove and install new ones.   THE FACTS | THE FIX | THE FINISH   REMOVING THE OLD BRUSH ASSEMBLIES  [top] 1. Remove the top cap.

Remove the top cap retaining screws.

Remove the top cap.

      2. Remove the switch trigger.

Lift the switch trigger out of the unit.

      3. Remove the top half of the motor housing.

Remove the retaining screws from the motor housing.

Use a screwdriver to separate the two halves of the housing.

Remove the top half of the motor housing.

      4. Remove the brush assemblies.

Use long-nosed pliers to disconnect the wires from the terminals on the brush holders.

Use long-nosed pliers to remove the brush assemblies from the motor housing.

    INSTALLING THE NEW BRUSH ASSEMBLIES  [top] 5. Install the new motor brush assemblies.

Install the new brush assemblies into the motor housing.

Reconnect the wires to the terminals on the brush holders.

      REASSEMBLING THE UNIT  [top]  6. Reinstall the motor housing.

Align the tabs on the brake pad with the grooves on the motor housing.

Install the top half of the housing.

Secure the two halves of the housing with the screws.

      7. Reinstall the switch trigger.

Install the switch trigger.

      8. Reinstall the top cap.

Install the top cap.

Secure the top cap with the screws.

    THE FACTS | THE FIX | THE FINISH Even with the best technology, sanding can be a demanding task. But you don't have to rough-up your accountant to smooth-out your countertops. As you just learned, repairing your own power tools is simple when you follow our step-by-step guides. Not only did you expand sander functionality at a fraction of the cost of replacement; you have taken the edge off future repairs, regardless of their random nature. Find your next fix here.   [top]