Replacing Carbon Brushes
If a ducted vacuum cleaner motor stops working and, upon disassembly, the carbon brushes turn out to be worn out, can we simply replace the brushes?
Yes, you can absolutely just replace the carbon brushes.
In fact, carbon brushes are intentionally designed to wear down over time to protect the motor's armature from damage. Replacing them is a standard, low-cost repair that frequently restores a seemingly dead ducted vacuum cleaner to perfect working order.
How to Check if a Replacement Will Work
Before ordering new parts, spin the motor shaft by hand and inspect the commutator (the copper segments where the brushes rub).
- Good sign: The copper looks shiny or slightly dull brown, and the shaft spins smoothly. You can safely replace the brushes.
- Bad sign: The copper is heavily blackened, melted, or pitted. If the motor emitted strong electrical smoke before dying, the motor windings may be shorted. In this case, replacing the brushes will not fix it; you need a new motor.
Steps to Replace the Brushes
1. Unplug the ducted vacuum completely from the wall outlet.
2. Access the motor by removing the ducted vacuum's outer housing.
3. Locate the brush holders on opposite sides of the motor assembly.
4. Disconnect the wire clip or unclip the retaining spring holding the brush in place.
5. Slide out the old brush and note the direction of its angled tip.
6. Insert the new brush in the exact same orientation.
7. Reattach the spring and wire, then repeat the process for the second brush.
Tip: Always replace both brushes at the same time, even if one looks less worn than the other.
To help you find the correct replacement parts, please contact us and provide the make and model number of your ducted vacuum cleaner. If you notice any black burning marks on the copper motor parts, let us know so we can determine if the motor is still salvageable.