How to Replace the Brake on a Porter Cable Sander

The brake sits just above the pad on your random orbit sander. It rubs lightly against the pad and stops it from rotating when the sander is not touching a workpiece. Over time, the brake will wear out. When this happens, the sander will rotate at high speed when the sander is not touching the workpiece. This often results in a gouge when the sander is first touched to the workpiece.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE BRAKE   1. Remove the sanding pad.

a. Remove the (3) screws securing the sanding pad to the sander.

b. Remove the sanding pad.

  2. Remove the brake.

a. Remove the brake from the sander.

INSTALLING THE NEW BRAKE

  3. Install the brake.

a. Align the tabs on the new brake with the slots on the motor housing.

b. Press firmly around the edges of the new brake to seat it in the housing.

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  4. Reinstall the sanding pad.

a. Install the (3) screws into the sanding pad.

b. Install the sanding pad onto the sander and align the screws with the mounting holes on the hub.

c. Secure the sanding pad with the screws.