Moto Maintenance Tips

Brushes are an essential component part of any motor. Two sets of brushes are fixed diagonally opposite each other and touch the commutator ring on the end of the armature spindle. Two brushes provide negative electrons; the other two, positive electrons. The ring is split into multiple sections so the negative and positive electrons don't touch each other; otherwise, the motor will short circuit. Direct current motor brushes are relatively simply to replace.

Start by removing battery main terminals.  This will prevent short circuits etc. Next, removed the gold-colored band on the end of your motor.  This band is your brush/commutator cover.  Around motor you will find 4 brushes. To remove, just lift spring away from rear of brush, then pull out brush and remove Phillips head screw to remove wire.  Repeat until all 4 are removed.

NOTE: This would be a good time to clean up the surface of the commutator where the brushes rub. Use a Scotchbrite or similar abrasive pad to clean the copper until it is bright and shiny. Then take a blade or sharpened wooden stick and lightly clean any debris out of the grooves between the individual copper commutator segments so that there is nothing that could cause an electrical short between segments.

Slide the new brushes into the brush containers. Push them in as far as possible using your fingers. Insert the springs into the container. Push the springs as far as possible, then hold them in place using one hand. Use your other hand to put the retaining clip into the slot so the springs are held in place. Use pliers to ensure the clips are securely fixed. Then attach the wires back onto lugs and tighten screws.

Turn the motor spindle a few times backward and forward to help bed the new brushes in, using your hand. Connect your motor to the power source and turn on the power to check that your motor operates.