How to Replace the Sponge Sleeve on a Makita Finishing Sander

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

The sponge sleeve is a protective sleeve surrounding the (4) metal posts that connect the motor to the base assembly. The purpose of the sleeve is to prevent sanding dust and debris from entering the unit and causing damage. Sponge sleeves should be inspected and replaced (as-needed) whenever the sander is disassembled for service.

This article will show you how to inspect and replace missing or damaged sponge sleeves on a Makita finishing sander.

Let's get started.   REMOVING THE SPONGE SLEEVE(S) [top] 1. Remove the sanding pad from the base assembly.

a. Remove the four retaining screws from the sanding pad.

b. Remove the sanding pad from the base plate.

    2. Remove the base assembly from the sander.

a. Insert a standard screwdriver through the opening in the center of the base plate (alongside the retaining screw). This will prevent the motor shaft from spinning while you remove the screw.

b. Remove the retaining screw.

c. Remove the base assembly from the sander.

    3. Remove the sponge sleeve(s) from the post(s).

a. Carefully slide the sponge sleeve(s) off the metal post(s).

    INSTALLING NEW SPONGE SLEEVE(S) [top] 4. Install the new sponge sleeve(s).

a. Slide the new sponge sleeve(s) onto the metal post(s). Inspect and replace the remaining sleeves as needed.

    REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 5. Reinstall the base assembly.

a. Ensure that the four metal posts are firmly seated into the corresponding o-rings within the base assembly.

b. Verify that the remaining o-rings are seated in the top half of the motor assembly (this image shows two of four O-rings located in the top half).

c. Align the holes on motor assembly with the four metal posts (on the base).

d. Press down firmly on the motor assembly to join the two halves.

e. Verify that the metal posts have securely engaged the o-rings on both halves of the unit.

f. Install the counter-weight onto the center post.

g. Install the retaining screw until it is hand-tight.

h. Bind the motor by inserting a screwdriver through the opening in the center of the base plate. This will prevent the shaft from spinning as the screw is tightened.

i. Secure the retaining screw.

    12. Reinstall the sanding pad.

a. Align the sanding pad with the holes on the base assembly.

b. Secure the sanding pad with the screws.

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, expanding sander functionality can be accomplished at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Good thing, too, because this repair just scratched the surface of what is possible when you follow our step-by-step repair guides. Find your next fix here.   [top]