Ridgid R86034 Direction Switch Replacement

Sean Liston and 6 other contributors

Last updated on January 6, 2021

5 - 10 minutes

Very easy

Better Introduction

Introduction

Go to step 1

This is a guide designed for replacing a broken direction switch in a RIDGID X4 18V Litium-Ion Impact Driver. This direction switch is imperative to the functionality of the driver. The direction switch determines whether the driver is going to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

What you need

Tools

Step 1 Housing

Ridgid R86034 Direction Switch Replacement, Housing: step 1, image 1 of 1

Use the flat side of a metal spudger to peel the black rubber cover off of the casing.
Use some force; the rubber cover is securely attached to the housing.
Rotate the casing until it fits onto the housing with no gaps between it and the clear cover.
Make sure the casing is properly oriented onto the housing. Orientation is important here.

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Step 2

Remove the plastic cover with your hands. It should come off fairly easily.

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Step 3

Ridgid R86034 Direction Switch Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

Unscrew the four 16 mm long screws from the back panel with a T10 Torx Screwdriver.
Use a firm grip to peel off the back panel. It is sealed tight and requires a good amount of force to remove.

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Step 4

Unscrew the eight 15 mm T10 Torx screws from the housing
The screw hole located nearest the battery port is deep and small. Most screwdrivers with replaceable bits will not fit into the hole. Instead, use a conventional screwdriver that fits.

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Step 5

Place the driver flat on a table before completely separating the two halves of the housing so components of the drill don't fall out during opening.
Pry apart the two halves of the housing at the back side of the driver using the metal spudger. The housing is easier to remove if you pry from both sides.

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Step 6

Do not remove the direction switch.
Pull out all electrical components from housing by hand. The components should require little force to lift out.
Lift out the motor.
Follow the wires.
The circuit board located nearest the battery pack and the LED light will be hard to pull out.
Remember to precisely place all components in their correct slots with their correct orientations when reassembling.

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Step 7 Direction Switch

Ridgid R86034 Direction Switch Replacement, Direction Switch: step 7, image 1 of 1

Remove the broken direction switch.
Replace the broken direction switch with a functional switch.
If the trigger is the part thats broken, you will need to replace the entire trigger assembly. Refer to our RIDGID X4 18V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver Trigger Assembly Replacement Guide