How to Repair Electric Machine Motors

Remove the spring clips, one on each side of the front of the motor, that hold the brushes in place. Use a pair of long-nosed pliers to pull out the clips.

Pull the wire extending from the brush holders slowly using your fingers. You will see a spring come out first; put it carefully to one side, followed by the brush. Repeat the process for the other brush.

Disconnect the opposite end of the wires attached to the brushes. Loosen the screws of the terminal connections and slide the wires out.

Remove the screws or bolts holding the two halves of the electric machine motor together. Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the screws or bolts, which usually number four or six.

Lift off the top half of the electric motor housing. Lay it next to the bottom half, so the inside of the housing is facing up.

Lift off the central armature using your hands. Put it to one side. Pry out the bearings from the housing. There are usually four bearings: one each at the front and back of both halves of the motor housing. Use a flat-head screwdriver but be careful not to scratch the area where the bearings sit.

Wipe the place where the bearings sit using a dry cloth. Put the new bearings into the same places you just removed the worn-out bearings. Push them into place using your fingers to ensure they sit tightly.

Replace the armature. Put the top half of the motor housing onto the bottom half. Replace and tighten the screws or bolts.

Slide the new brushes into the brush holders on each side of the motor housing. Push in the springs, then them in place while you push the retaining clip into position with your fingers. Once the clip is in place, push it down farther using the pliers.

Attach the opposite end of the red wire from the brush onto the “+” terminal of the motor. Slide the wire under the terminal screw and tighten it.

Slide the opposite end of the black wire from the other brush under the terminal screw labeled “-.“ Tighten the screw.

Slowly turn the armature back and forth several times; this beds in the new brushes. Turn on your repaired motor.