7424XP- Shaft came out

[CornDwg01]

I was using my PC today when the whole drive shaft just fell out. I can't seem to get it to lock back in place. When I turn it on, it doesn't spin. What's the trick to getting it back together? Also, what caused this?http://tapatalk.com/mu/adb81682-25bf-44e3.jpg

[Mobile detail]

You said your shaft came out haha. But seriously, doesn't the shaft come out so you can replace the counter weight? I haven't had a pc for a long time so I dont exactly remember but I thought it could be tighten with the flat wrench and allen head? Sounds like the thread backed off?

[mark58]

I was using my PC today when the whole drive shaft just fell out. I can't seem to get it to lock back in place. When I turn it on, it doesn't spin. What's the trick to getting it back together? Also, what caused this?http://tapatalk.com/mu/adb81682-25bf-44e3.jpg

What is on the end of the shaft?

[CornDwg01]

Just the head and counterbalance. I took of my backing plate, but that's where it normally would be.Heres a pic of it sitting in place. Granted its just sitting there, when I turn the unit on, the head won't spin. http://tapatalk.com/mu/adb81682-4493-fa3a.jpg

[Garry Dean]

I had the shaft on my pc break while I was polishing a car one time and I almost dropped the pc on the car. Luckily I was able to smack it away and deflect it. Close call. Mine was still under the 1 st year of warranty though.

[mark58]

Just the head and counterbalance. I took of my backing plate, but that's where it normally would be.Heres a pic of it sitting in place. Granted its just sitting there, when I turn the unit on, the head won't spin. http://tapatalk.com/mu/adb81682-4493-fa3a.jpg I know what is on that side, What does the other side look like? the end of the shaft.

[CornDwg01]

There's nothing there, just a little grease on it. It doesn't appear broken. http://tapatalk.com/mu/adb81682-5055-1aac.jpg

[mark58]

There's nothing there, just a little grease on it. It doesn't appear broken. http://tapatalk.com/mu/adb81682-5055-1aac.jpg

HMM,,something is broken, what makes the shaft spin? sure there isn't a pin going throug the shaft? Just guessing here. Something holds it in gearbox.

[CornDwg01]

That's what I was afraid off. Nope, there's no pin, no nothing to hold/lock it into place. At least it's still under warranty.

[mark58]

That's what I was afraid off. Nope, there's no pin, no nothing to hold/lock it into place. At least it's still under warranty.

If you took the top of the unit off (gear box) That shaft fits into bevel gear which is located on top of the unit. It appears that shaft is spline and broken.
Porter Cable 7424XP Parts List and Diagram - (Type 1) : eReplacementParts.com (http://www.ereplacementparts.com/porter-cable-7424xp-type-random-orbit-polisher-parts-c-129_1997_139651.html)

Looks like you need new shaft and possible new top bevel gear. Part #10 and possible #11

[CornDwg01]

Yep. Kind of weird though. I guess it was just a clean break.

There's no teeth on the end of that shaft. LOL

[CornDwg01]

On second thought, look at the picture of part #11, I don't see any teeth on that one either.

[mark58]

Yep. Kind of weird though. I guess it was just a clean break.

There's no teeth on the end of that shaft. LOL

It's hard to tell, BUT something has to hold top gear to the shaft. Now you know you can order parts so it's time to dig deeper.

[aerogt01]

It looks like the shaft is press-fit into a bearing in the top of the casing.

I would find the nearest service center and have them look at it. Mention it is under warranty and they might be able to take care of you. IIRC DeWalt, Delta, Porter Cable, and Black and Decker is all one center, usually.

If the center doesn't, Porter Cable will.

If Porter Cable doesn't, I'm sure AG will (if you bought from them.).

[Bunky]

I guess this cannot be blamed on user error.