Troubleshoot: Porter Cable 7336 noise / surge (w/video)

**ba7** · 06-02-2015, 12:12 PM

I have an older porter cable 7336 (US made) that has started making a nasty screechy type noise and surges intermittently. I'm guessing it's the spindle, a spacer, or a bearing. I'd like to hold on to it but I hate to start blindly throwing parts at it. The nearest service center is 90 miles away from me.

https://youtu.be/qRYKVCbFbVM

**Rsurfer** · 06-02-2015, 01:43 PM

Like you stated, sounds like a spindle or bearing problem. Why not send the vid to the service center and get a quote?

**70fastback** · 06-03-2015, 01:27 AM

I purchased my first PC mid 2003. Around a year or so later it was on loan to a friend and on his garage floor when hurricane Ivan struck! It spent about 10-12 hours under salt water. Then, it sat there wet for a few days until we could get back to his house...Figuring I had nothing to lose, I took it apart, dried, cleaned, and lubed all the moving parts. I also replaced the bearings. It still works great and I have a brush attached to it for tires. If you are comfortable with removing items 53A and 100 from the attached part breakdown, you can at least put some fresh grease on the gears to see if that helps. If you venture further, take some photos during dis-assembly! Good Luck!

**Setec Astronomy** · 06-03-2015, 06:38 AM

That machine looks like it has a lot of run time on it--I'd bet on a brush or cord problem rather than gear/bearing/lubrication.

**ba7** · 06-03-2015, 11:51 AM

Good idea Rsurfer. The nearest service centers don't appear to have listed emails nor websites but I've sent to link to the main PC servicenet site. Still waiting...

That's true Setec, it was passed down to me by my father who was a carpenter so it's been used mainly as a sander. She's a worker bee no doubt. I do have a shinny new 7346 but this is the 2nd one in the last year so if possible, I'd like to hang on to the 7336.

I've replaced the brushes twice, the last time being around a year ago. I would like to replace the speed-setting switch as its has developed a real rough action over the years. I could understand an electrical issue if it was only surging but the noise lead me to think that it's drive related. I also have greased the gears which look fine.