An electric motor has many moving parts. Over time, those parts can go bad from lack of regular maintenance, heavy use, and age. Learning to recognize the signs associated with failing components on electric motors is a first step in detecting and preventing additional damage. Some issues are easier to fix than others, which means you might be able to perform the electric motor repair yourself and skip costly repair service at a machine shop. At the very least, trying to figure out the cause of your motor problems gives you a better understanding of how the motor works.
Prior to making motor repairs, you can check for signs of damage by performing a visual inspection or evaluating the motor with diagnostic tools and equipment. On brushed motors, you can also do maintenance checks on the brush and commutator. If you find that your motor needs attention, these three electric motor repair tips can help get your motor back in prime working condition.
· Moisture control
· Minimize vibrations
· Precise lubrication
Moisture Control
Excessive moisture levels are one of the most common causes of motor repair. Because of their design, electric motors are especially susceptible to moisture. Condensation can accumulate in a motor's interior components, notably the air filter when it is not in use. This can cause rusting, corrosion, and other problems in both ac motors and dc motors. A good way to control moisture in your electric motor is by lubricating the motor's components with grease that contains rust prevention solution. You can take some time to grease the motor's bearing assemblies when you add motor oil. Rust-resistant grease can also be used throughout the motor's interior to prevent moisture damage.
Minimizing Vibrations
Vibrations in a synchronous motor can be a cause of its demise. Experts offering maintenance tips say to always protect a motor from high volumes of vibrations. This is especially true when the motor is not running. Motors that run in the idle position tend to have bearings that wear out more quickly, as the bearings rub against each other and wear away their layer of protective lubricating grease in the process. The metal-on-metal contact negatively affects motor speed and generally wears out the motor and its components. Mechanics providing motor repair tips say you can prevent excessive vibrations by minimizing idling and keeping the motor away from other electric motors and components that produce heat and generate vibrations.
Precise Lubrication
Motor oil is an essential lubricant that keeps a stepper motor running smoothly. It is also essential to keep other types of electric motors operating correctly, too. Even with oil, however, you can have too much of a good thing. It is possible to put too much oil in the motor and even improperly lubricate the motor with oil. However, greasing the motor excessively can also cause problems. Using the correct quantity and variety of motor oil is essential to lubricate the motor at the correct intervals. Otherwise, you may need more expensive motor repair, which is precisely what you wanted to avoid in the first place!
Following a few simple maintenance tips for your electric motors can go a long way in preventing unnecessary repairs. At a minimum, you will learn more about your electric motor and how it works by handling motor maintenance on your own instead of bringing the motor to a shop. Learning the basics of motor maintenance also means that you can take better care of your motor and extend its longevity. Furthermore, you may learn enough about the motor to perform basic repairs yourself when needed. When in doubt, however, always contact a professional mechanic to perform repairs or provide motor repair tips. Otherwise, you can end up inadvertently damaging the motor.