For many craftsmen and tool users, a good air compressor is a key factor in ensuring the progress and quality of our work. This also means that our responsibility to our air compressors and their health is equally important and is perhaps the most comprehensive tool for improving the longevity of our equipment and what we do and create with it.

Fortunately, this responsibility is not as overwhelming as it may seem. In fact, maintaining and repairing an air compressor is relatively straightforward when you have a few facts and a few simple steps. Take the replacement of your compressor brushes for example, this procedure is simple and totally imperative for the vitality of your compressor. And yet, with the following steps, you can replace your compressor brushes with perfect, professional ease.

However, before beginning this repair procedure, it is extremely important to unplug and unplug the air compressor. You should also make sure the tank is completely bled of air pressure. This keeps you, as well as your compressor, more protected from injury or damage during repair.

It is also important to note that you should always replace your brushes in pairs. Regardless of how good a brush looks, if one is worn or broken, you should always replace both brushes as a set. Oh, and don’t underestimate the value of your owner’s manual. Read it, make it your friend and enjoy your new knowledge.

Well. Now to get started, you must first remove the compressor cover or the housing that contains the motor from the tool. To do this, simply unscrew the screws that hold the thing together (these are usually set quite deep into the cover) and pry the cover apart at its split down the middle. Set the cover and screws safely aside.

Then simply locate the brushes, there will be a brush on each side of the armature. Disconnect the brush wire terminal, or the wire connector attached to each brush, from the brush you are currently replacing. Very carefully pull the spring away from the brush making sure not to damage its elasticity, grasp the tip of the first brush and remove it from its holder.

Carefully slide the new brush into the brush holder in the same orientation as the old one. Making sure the spring rests against the brush, reposition the spring as delicately as you moved it to the side. Then reconnect that brass terminal making sure it connects in the same way as before you disconnected it.

Then simply repeat the steps above with the second brush, replace the cover carefully and safely, and you and your compressor should be good to go. However, before moving on to the next job or project, reconnect the compressor and do a little test run to make sure your brushes are making the correct and complete connections. If the compressor is not running smoothly, remove the cover one more time and retrace your steps to make sure each brush makes a proper connection. If you cannot isolate the problem, it is best to quickly take your compressor to an authorized service center for a more complete inspection.