Moved the compactor out from under cabinet and unplugged the powercable.Laid compactor over on its side Removed the top (4 screws) and base plate (3 screws) as well as the coverplate for the motor(3 screws)Found that large drive was broken in half. Used two screwdrivers to start split ring then pliers to pull it off the rest of the way. Removed the drive gear and the washer. Used a nail to drive out the pin for the smaller drive gear kit. Removed and replaced with new, used new pin to lock it on to the shaft. Changed out the bearings and washers on one powerscrew, put chain back on. Then was then a simple matter to put the new gear back on the chain then slide the whole thing back on the drive shaft. Replace the washer then slip the split ring back in place and seat it home with the pliers. Greased chain, gear drive and powerscrew. Put all covers back on with the screws. Pushed button it worked.
I pulled the trash compactor out from under the counter.
I took out the four screws that kept the top cover in place to expose the ram.
The gear shafts were turning but the ram would not lower, at first I though the ram drive bolts were stripped and it wouldn't engage the shaft. Then I realized there was a mechanical directional\limit switch at the top that controlled the power and direction the gear shafts were turning, this switch was broken.
Just had to take off the front plate that was held on by a number of screws and replace the switch that was held on by two more screws. It had five wires attached to it, the new switch was clearly labeled as to which color wire went where.
Pulled the Compactor from underneath cabinet, unplugged power. Removed the top plate off compactor to expose the crush piston. Removed the front control panel by removing two phillips screws, wiring and directional (limit) switch is now exposed. Removed the two screws securing switch, removed wiring one wire at a time and replaced on new switch in same position. Replaced switch in same manner as removed, and followed reverse of above to re-assemble. Plugged back in and tested, problem resolved works like new. Only took possibly 30" to repair and saved an expensive service call.
