background image

Inspecting and Replacing Brushes in a Bodine Type 33A, 42A, and 32A  motor or gearmotor.  Lit P/N 07481063A. © Bodine 2007          Page 1 of 8 

Inspecting and Replacing Brushes in Bodine Type 
33A, 42A, and 32A (PMDC) Motors or Gearmotors 

 

 

The permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motors and gearmotors manufactured by 

Bodine Electric Company

 are unique compared to other DC motors and 

gearmotors in many ways.  This is because the primary objectives in the design 
of all Bodine products are 

long life

quiet operation

, and 

no lubricant leakage

   
With regard to long brush life, the Bodine type 
33A, 42A, and 32A motors and gearmotors 
employ a unique method of maintaining a 
constant force on the brushes inside the motor.  
A roll-type spring is used instead of the more 
common coiled spring.  The roll-type spring puts 
a constant force on the brushes even as they 
wear and get shorter.  By contrast, the force 
exerted by a coiled spring diminishes as the 
brushes get shorter and the spring approaches its 
uncompressed length.  Reduced force on the 
brushes can cause them to “hop” on the 
commutator and wear faster.  The roll-type 
spring is a superior design. 
 
Installing the roll-type springs correctly is 
critical in order to obtain optimal performance 
from your Bodine motor or gearmotor. Incorrect 
installation can cause brushes to wear faster, or 
ultimately could damage the product. 
 
By following these instructions when inspecting and replacing the brushes in a 
Bodine type 33A, 42A, or 32A motor or gearmotor, the user can be assured of 
long brush life, and desired motor or gearmotor performance. 

 

 

TOOLS NEEDED: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large slotted 
tip screwdriver 

Medium size 
slotted tip 
screwdriver 

Small 
screwdriver with 
any type of tip 

Pair of long nose 
pliers 

Safety glasses 

Roll-type Spring 

Coiled Spring 

851-628 Rev. A

Summary of Contents for 33A

Page 1: ...ts a constant force on the brushes even as they wear and get shorter By contrast the force exerted by a coiled spring diminishes as the brushes get shorter and the spring approaches its uncompressed length Reduced force on the brushes can cause them to hop on the commutator and wear faster The roll type spring is a superior design Installing the roll type springs correctly is critical in order to ...

Page 2: ...crewdriver tip and remove them CAUTION The brush caps are made of plastic and are installed tightly Using a small screwdriver to remove them will damage the slot STEP 3 Remove Brush Springs After the brush caps are removed from each side of the motor the brush box assemblies can be seen inside each of the two openings The brushes are retained by constant force roll type springs The springs must be...

Page 3: ...side of the motor or gearmotor STEP 4 Inspect Brushes It is not necessary to disconnect the brush wires just to inspect the brushes Insert a small screwdriver under the brush wire and pull the brush out of the brush box With the brush wire still connected to the brush box measure the length of the brush from the point where the wire merges with the brush to the end of the brush that contacts the c...

Page 4: ... screw head and remove the brush Repeat this procedure for the other brush STEP 6 Clean Out Brush Dust Excessive carbon dust will accumulate inside the motor endshield over time and should be removed periodically to allow normal operation Partial disassembly and cleaning is best However carefully applying compressed air alternately through each of the open brush cap holes may provide adequate clea...

Page 5: ...to do so may result in personal injury STEP 8 Inspect Springs Inspect the springs to make sure they weren t damaged during their removal If they are uncoiled or otherwise damaged record the product type and serial number from the motor nameplate Contact your supplier any Authorized Bodine Distributor or our Service Department You will find more information on how to contact Bodine Electric at www ...

Page 6: ...bracket back out of the brush box until the hooks latch around the edge of the brush box Release the pliers If the spring bracket is properly seated it will be lying flat against the brush box wall If it is cocked to one side it is improperly seated release the spring and reassemble it again Important As a final check apply slight pressure on the spring bracket in the direction away from the brush...

Page 7: ...ossible screwdriver STEP 11 Connect to Power Reconnect the drive to the power source and test for proper operation New brushes may be seated by running the motor or gearmotor in at no load Proper seating is required for lowest brush noise level All information and data contained in this document are subject to change without notice Please contact our Technical Support staff in Chicago or an Author...

Page 8: ...ley Place Chicago Illinois 60618 U S A TEL 773 478 3515 FAX 773 478 3232 www bodine electric com Inspecting and Replacing Brushes in a Bodine Type 33A 42A and 32A motor or gearmotor Lit P N 07481063A1 Bodine 2007 Page 8 of 8 851 628 Rev A ...

Reviews: