RIDGID BELT SANDER R2740 Troubleshooting

The sander doesn’t seem to have power.

There is a certain amount of energy that can be pulled from a power supply and if it reaches a specific amount the breaker will trip. This is an emergency act in order to save the electrical components. Make sure to unplug the sander and then go check the breaker box in your home or facility. If you notice that the breaker is tripped into the off position, then you should flip it to the on position.

If the power cord needs to be replaced the first step is replacing the face cover of the sander. This includes removing five hex screws. After the cover is removed the switch needs to be removed including the wires connected to it. There will be a ground wire connected to the sander that needs to be removed as well. Now, the wires from the new power cord can be attached to the switch. Attached the switch and the ground wire back to the housing. Replace the face cover by reapplying the five hex screws.

RIDGID Belt Sander R2740 Power Cord Replacement

There is an aggressive vibration when using the sander.

The bearing that can cause vibration is located primarily on the motor shaft, if the bearing on the motor shaft has not gone bad examine other bearings on rotating shaft.

To resolve vibrations the sander will have to be disassembled and the bearings removed and replaced. To replace the bearing first remove the old bearing by gently prying the old bearing from both sides until the bearing is removed. After the old bearing is removed gently tap the new bearing into place with a hammer. Tap around the bearing instead of only one section so it does not bind or sit on the shaft at an angle.

RIDGID R2740 Ball Bearing Replacement

An abnormal sound is coming from the sander when in use.

Grinding or squealing sounds can be caused by ball bearing failing or a bad brush assembly.

To replace the bearing first remove the old bearing by gently prying the old bearing from both sides until the bearing is removed. After the old bearing is removed gently tap the new bearing into place with a hammer. Tap around the bearing instead of only one section so it does not bind or sit on the shaft at an angle.

RIDGID R2740 Ball Bearing Replacement

To resolve a bad brush assembly. First remove screws from the handle to gain access to the interior of the handle. Once access has been gained to the interior remove the screws holding the brush cap and replace the brush assembly.

RIDGID Belt Sander R2740 Brush Assembly Replacement

The sander is working, but it seems to lack an appropriate amount of power.

low power is caused by a bad timing belt.

To replace the timing belt first remove the sanding belt dust collector. Then the belt cover and corresponding screws. Remove the old timing belt by forcing a screwdriver under the belt at the small pulleys and rotating the large pulley. The old timing belt should come off track and be able to be removed. Replace the timing belt by first attaching at the large pulley, then replace belt at the small pulleys by rotating the belt and forcing over the small pulleys. Replace cover, dust collecting bag and sanding belt.

RIDGID BELT SANDER R2740 Timing Belt Replacement

The sand paper will not stay on due to a lack of tension.

Lack of tension is caused by the timing belt going bad.

To replace the timing belt first remove the sanding belt dust collector. Then the belt cover and corresponding screws. Remove the old timing belt by forcing a screwdriver under the belt at the small pulleys and rotating the large pulley. The old timing belt should come off track and be able to be removed. Replace the timing belt by first attaching at the large pulley, then replace belt at the small pulleys by rotating the belt and forcing over the small pulleys. Replace cover, dust collecting bag and sanding belt.A faulty spring in the tension lever can cause a lack of tension

RIDGID BELT SANDER R2740 Timing Belt Replacement

The tension lever located on the side of the sander allows removal and replacement of the sand paper. Overtime, the spring that’s located in the tension lever wears down and causes the tension lever to malfunction. This can be remedied by replacing the spring. First, release the lever and remove the sand paper. Then remove the two hex screws located approximately two inches on the side of the sander near the tension lever. Next, you can pull gray face cover away from its original position. Remove the old spring and replace it with a new one. After that you can reassemble the face cover.

RIDGID Belt Sander R2740 Tension Lever Spring Replacement

The sander works, but the powers seems to cut out during use.

The source of the sander’s energy comes from the power cord. If you notice that the sander slightly loses power while operating, then that could be a sign of a frayed power cord. Inspect the wire to see if there are any wires showing throughout the cord. If you see any showing a possible solution could be to apply electrical tape to the sight. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, then a power cord replacement should be your next step.

RIDGID Belt Sander R2740 Power Cord Replacement

If the power cord needs to be replaced the first step is replacing the face cover of the sander. This includes removing five hex screws. After the cover is removed the switch needs to be removed including the wires connected to it. There will be a ground wire connected to the sander that needs to be removed as well. Now, the wires from the new power cord can be attached to the switch. Attached the switch and the ground wire back to the housing. Replace the face cover by reapplying the five hex screws.

RIDGID Belt Sander R2740 Power Cord Replacement