MY PC 333 ROS Is Dying. HELP!

[JoeyGee]

My PC 333 ROS (non-VS) is making a grinding noise and barely spins when I go to sand with it. It seems to spin OK under no load, but even with slight pressure, it will not spin, or hardly at all.

I took the pad off and inspected for debris, but did not see any. The pad seems to spin freely when I spin it by hand. Any ideas?

Up until now, I have had no problems with it and I really like using it and would hate to have to replace it. Even if it does have to bre replaced, I would still consider another PC 333.

[steve-u]

I don't own that unit but if you read the reviews on Amazon it seems some users had problems with the belt and bearings in it. If that is the case and you can replace them on your own it probably would be worthwhile. Otherwise you would want to get a new sander and consider the Bosch as a replacement. The parts list and explosion diagram for that sander is at the link below. I would guess a belt problem if the problem happens under load as you describe.

Steve

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/por...1997_2006.html

[Tom Slick]

it probably needs new brushes. they are easy to replace. just remove the pad, then the "skirt", then the two case halves. from there the brushes will be near the top (#3 in the parts breakdown). they'll have a line on them that is the wear limit indicator. new ones will cost you $10. you'll probably need a torx bit to take it apart.
if the brushes look good then check the bottom bearing in the motor (#11a), if it feels rough at all then it needs to be replaced. the top bearing rarely goes out but anything is possible.