Author Topic: x4 motor - is it the brushes that need replacing or the motor? (Read 3866 times)

stockportman · « **on:** December 18, 2020, 03:49:34 pm »

I've got TWO x4s that have been passed to me by my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to fix. The symptoms were the same on both - burning smell in use
On both, there's quite a lot of carbon dust inside the housing. I've run the one from my MIL - but its smells "hot" and when I take the plastic cover off the motor, at certain parts of the revolution, it seems to "grind" a bit (there's also signs of the beater bar having been caught on something at some point - which may have put extra load on the motor)

I've taken the covers off the other one (but not run it) - and, in common with the one from my MIL, it has a load of carbon dust on the inside.

So, I'm assuming it's either brushes or motor that needs replacing on both. What I'm wondering is how I can tell which needs to be done? If I bought two motors, I'm sure it would fix both - but I'd rather just replace the brushes if I could get away with it

How do I go about diagnosing please?

dysondestijl · « **Reply #1 on:** December 19, 2020, 08:13:49 pm »

I would suggest running both and checking for excessive sparking from the motor whilst running. Check the length of the motor brushes and see if they’re worn down or if they’ve still got plenty of life left. The burning smell could have come from what was caught on the brush roller depending on what it was, and when it happened. Some carbon dust inside the machine is perfectly normal, as the brushes naturally wear away during use, the dust will be leaked onto the housing.
Feel free to share with us some photos of the motors you have; it may help, to give us an idea on their condition.
Treat them both to new filters whilst you’re fixing them- it will do them a world of good

stockportman · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2020, 02:10:35 pm »

Thanks a lot @dysondestijl - will fire them up over Christmas at some point and see what they look like. Will also take some photos

Cheers

MVacs · « **Reply #3 on:** December 23, 2020, 05:26:46 pm »

Pay attention to the visual condition of the armature. If it's black and/or heavily scored and sparking, it'll be toast.

You can always post a close up photo of the armature.

If it's fixable, expect to do one or both bearings at the same time. Here's how:

stockportman · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2021, 09:10:27 pm »

Cor, where's this year gone?!

At long last, I've managed to take some vids of the state of the two vacs so hopefully someone can tell me if I need new motors. I suspect I do. Vac 1 gives off a more impressive spark shower, but vac 2 sounds like it's spinning in a tumble-drier - so suspect the bearings have gone.

If someone kind could give me a prognosis, I'd be very grateful - but I have a feeling I need two replacement motors......

(sorry that these seem to have come out portrait in a landscape window - not sure how I do anything about that in Vimeo)

x4 #1
Turning the motor by hand
Not a valid vimeo URL
Switched on - spark shower
Not a valid vimeo URL

x4 #2
Turning by hand
Not a valid vimeo URL
Powered
Not a valid vimeo URL
Thanks a lot

dysondestijl · « **Reply #5 on:** April 26, 2021, 09:36:14 pm »

Looks like two new motors are in order. I would say they are both sparking excessively. Yes the second one is not as bad, but I think if given continued use, it would end up looking just like the first!
Whack two new motors in and they’ll be good for another 10 years 👍

stockportman · « **Reply #6 on:** April 26, 2021, 09:40:02 pm »

Quote from: dysondestijl on April 26, 2021, 09:36:14 pm

Looks like two new motors are in order. I would say they are both sparking excessively. Yes the second one is not as bad, but I think if given continued use, it would end up looking just like the first!
Whack two new motors in and they’ll be good for another 10 years 👍

Thanks @dysondestijl. I'm intrigued that the second x4 sounds a lot worse than the first (especially when it grinds to a halt), and has a lot more "torque flex" when you start it then switch off the power. What do you think would cause that please?

MVacs · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2021, 08:11:14 pm »

Yes, they are both dead.

As you're in Stockport, and presumably able to call in, I'd do two aftermarket ones for £90 cash. Mention the forum topic here to Claire or she will charge you site price.