How to Replace the Motor Brushes on a Makita Power Scraper

Your power scraper's motor uses two carbon brushes to conduct electricity to the armature. The brushes do this through the armature's commutator. The carbon brush will wear down over time (from rubbing against the rotating commutator) and will need to be replaced. Worn brushes can cause excessive sparks around the commutator. The sparks can also be caused by a damaged armature, so you'll want to carefully inspect both components if sparks are present.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE MOTOR BRUSHES   1. Remove the rear cover.

a. Remove the screws securing the rear cover.

b. Remove the rear cover from the unit.

  2. Remove the motor brushes.

a. Use a large screwdriver to remove the brush cap.

b. Remove the motor brush from the brush holder.

c. Repeat this step to remove the second motor brush (on the opposite side of the motor).

INSTALLING THE NEW MOTOR BRUSHES

  3. Install the motor brushes.

a. Install the new motor brush into the brush holder.

b. Compress the brush spring into the holder.

c. Secure the motor brush with the brush cap.

d. Repeat this step to install the second motor brush.

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  4. Reinstall the rear cover.

a. Install the rear cover.

b. Secure the rear cover with the screws.