Makita DHP481 Drill will not change into low gear (1) and is locked in high (2). What could be the problem?

I KNOW IT !!! MAKITA the first gear is damaged the notches in the gearbox (planet-transmission)are grinded away about 2 or 3 mm are left and the gear shaft will not fit in the notches anymore , MAKITA the BDF 4** and many more models have all the same gear box problem, (NOT EVERY MODEL of MAKITA but much models ) LXT 18V and ??? because of the planet transmission GEAR BOX they are oft very vulnerable to switch over from one to 2 or from 2 to gear 1 the gearbox should anyway be replaced , and switch the topswitch on top of the machine without use the power switch at the same time its must standstill allways when shifting 1 to 2 or vice versa, inside the top switch there are special 2 springs build in inside to switch without turning because its have nothing to do with a synchronic gear box of a car , or choice to prevalence of repetition if you will not have again this trouble again buy Panasonic or Festool powertools this if you have people who are working with your tools you should never have problems with gearboxes anymore because of that notorious MAKITA problem by much models of Makita BDF4** and may be more models is also proven that have i so much this problem seen and repaired . but the gearbox itself from MAKITA is also not so expensive in compare to other powertools. but other tools moastly are selling individual parts like gearshafts and have metal notches instead of cheap plastic and not separate to buy, Makita delivered only 1 complete gearbox because its cheaper to get and all of the parts are new . marketing technical choice of MAKITA.

Open the chuck and remove the screw inside the chuck (if fitted) the screw is left hand thread, fit the short end of the largest hex key that will fit into the chuck and tighten the chuck, put the drill into low gear and turn the clutch to the drill position, support the drill on a bench and strike the long end of the hex key with a firm blow (right hand thread) it may be neccessary to strike it more than once

I had the same problem on my 8444, it was out of warranty (just over 2 years old) so I stripped it and found the plastic gear selector ring worn out. Was livid at this as these drills are marketed on the strength of the "all metal" MXT gearbox! Makita UK, to their credit, sent me a replacement gearbox free of charge when I pointed this out to them.

A year on and the replacement gearbox has now started doing the same in 3rd (high) gear. Doubt I can get another free 'box out of Makita (they would probably say I fitted it incorrectly) so am looking at buying just the drill body, which comes out at around £60 and will work with my existing batteries. Just not sure if I would trust the replacement not to fail, but a similarly powerful drill with 2 batteries would cost me wel over £200.

could be the clutch needs replaced, but I would check to make sure the high/low switch is fully engaged. Inside the clutch there is ring gear that could have the teeth rounded off I would go to Makitatools.com and type in your model number for a breakdown so you can see what you are getting into, they are not that hard if you are mechanically inclined and just watch how you do it.

K what you need to do is remove the chuck retaining screw LH threads and then switch the gear selector to low and the clutch to drill only. Find a bent handle allen wrench about the chuck capacity and lock it in the jaws. put the chuck on a workbench or block of wood and on the long part of the wrench have it at about a 30 degree angle and strike it counter clockwise and that should remove it. you might have to hit it a couple times

A gear needs replacement.
Most likely the speed change ring.
It's a known defect on these drills.

Are you sure you do not have a tourque adjustment problem. If not I do not believe Makita will want to send you parts,you would have to know what is precisely wrong and by the time you went back and forth you might as well find nearest dealer for repairs and google search Makita.com for service parts near you + zip code to get your drill fixed.

Thanks , Please rate jj505

the gearbox is good,what the problem is,is the nylon speed change ring that goes on the outside of the gearbox that takes the power of the gearbox,the end of the teeth,about 2mm or less strip making only noise when in 2nd or 3rd gear,,they sell it with the new gearbox and charge you,,,,,but you can buy it separatly,,,the part no.419558-2,,pick key 01820914

get gear box checked common fault on this model

Hi the 8406 was common for the intermediat gear to go have you yet stripped the gear box?
Quick test wear gloves to do this!
Turn on the drill if the chuck does not turn spin the chuck with a gloved hand TAKE CARE!! if the chuck catches grip one of the gears are gone.
Hope this helps let me know. Sean