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7 of the Most Common Parts That Need Repair on Industrial Electric Motors


Industrial electric motors are a huge investment and expense for an industrial business. Replacing these motors is rarely the best first option, so one of the most effective ways to protect that investment is by replacing worn components and preventing problems before they lead to a complete motor failure.

When problems do develop, professional industrial electric motor repair can identify damaged components, determine the underlying cause of failure, and help restore reliable motor operation.

Here are some of the most common parts that are repaired or replaced on industrial electric motors.

1 – Motor Windings

Motor windings are wires that are shaped into coils that are inserted into the motor stator. Because of the nature of running electrical motors in heavy industrial environments, the windings are often subjected to contamination by dirt and moisture. This can lead to the breakdown of the wiring insulation, which in turn degrades the performance of the electric motor.

This is a condition that can be fixed with an electric motor rewind from a reputable motor rewinding shop.

2 – Cooling Fans

Cooling fans are a critical component in any electric motor because excess heat buildup can damage an electric motor quickly. Cooling fans need to be carefully inspected for wear and tear as part of any preventive maintenance program.

Monitoring operating temperatures can also help maintenance teams identify developing problems. Infrared thermography can reveal abnormal heat patterns associated with electrical connections, components, and other developing equipment problems.

3 – Bushings

Bushings are insulated components that allow electrical conductors to pass through a grounded conducting barrier. These are frequently found in transformers and circuit breakers. Bushings are typically very durable and not prone to failure very often, but in moist, dirty environments the insulating material can break down, causing conduction and insulation problems.

4 – Belts

Belts can wear away with heavy use or excess heat. Excessive vibration can cause belts to shift and possibly rub against another part, causing additional wear and tear. Inspecting the belts on industrial equipment should be a standard task in an electric motor preventive maintenance program.

Excessive vibration can also indicate problems beyond belt wear. Motor vibration analysis can identify developing conditions such as misalignment, imbalance, bearing faults, and other rotating equipment problems before they cause more extensive damage.

5 – Bearings

Bearings are one of the most crucial parts of any electric motor. They support the function of the rotor by keeping the air gap consistent and small in order to properly transfer the load from the shaft to the motor. Checking the bearings, especially inspecting the lubrication of the bearings, is critical to maintaining the smooth operation of the electric motor.

Because bearing selection, lubrication, contamination, load, and operating conditions can all affect service life, understanding the different bearing types used in industrial electric motors and how they handle operating loads can help maintenance teams recognize potential problems earlier.

6 – Fuses

Fuses are designed with replaceability in mind. They are safety devices that prevent damage to the motor as the result of too much power being applied to the system. If there is a surge in the electric motor or associated machinery, the circuit blows, preventing additional damage. 

It is always a good idea to have extra fuses for your electric motor on hand to avoid a longer stoppage due to a power surge. Repeated fuse failures, however, may indicate an underlying electrical or motor control problem that should be investigated rather than simply replacing the fuse each time.

7 – Wiring

Because it tends to be a weak link in an electrical circuit, wiring is susceptible to excess heat degrading the insulation causing problems or even failure. Infrared thermographic studies can detect these issues early on before they become critical.

Problems involving wiring, insulation, current, and other electrical conditions may also require more extensive diagnostic testing. Electric motor testing can help identify electrical problems that are not always visible during a conventional physical inspection.

Avoid Unnecessary Parts Failure with an Electric Motor Preventive Maintenance Program from Tekwell

Tekwell Services has been providing preventive maintenance services for electrical motors for well over 20 years. Identifying worn bearings, deteriorating insulation, abnormal vibration, excessive heat, and other developing conditions can give maintenance teams an opportunity to address problems before they result in a more significant motor failure.

Give us a call toll-free at 1-888-984-4668 or fill out our quick solution form to reach one of our preventive electrical motor service experts today.


A: Common components requiring attention include motor windings, bearings, cooling components, belts, electrical wiring, fuses, and related electrical connections. Which components wear or fail most frequently depends on motor load, operating hours, environmental conditions, lubrication, contamination, vibration, heat, and the motor’s maintenance history.

A: Warning signs can include excessive vibration, unusual noise, overheating, declining performance, increased electrical current, insulation problems, bearing noise, or unexpected shutdowns. Changes in normal motor operation should be investigated before a developing problem causes more extensive damage or unplanned downtime.

A: Yes. When winding insulation deteriorates or windings are damaged, an industrial motor may be a candidate for rewinding rather than replacement. A qualified motor repair facility can inspect and test the motor to determine the extent of the damage and whether rewinding is an appropriate repair option.

A: Motor bearings operate under continuous mechanical loads and can be affected by inadequate lubrication, contamination, misalignment, excessive vibration, improper installation, and normal wear. Bearing problems can also affect the rotor and other motor components, making early detection and proper maintenance important.

A: Preventive and predictive maintenance can identify developing mechanical and electrical problems before they result in motor failure. Techniques such as vibration analysis, infrared thermography, electrical testing, lubrication inspection, and routine visual inspections can help maintenance teams identify abnormal conditions and schedule repairs before an unexpected shutdown occurs.

A: The decision depends on factors such as the motor’s size, age, condition, efficiency, replacement availability, extent of damage, repair cost, and importance to the production process. A comprehensive inspection and testing process can help determine whether repairing or rewinding the existing motor provides a practical alternative to replacement.

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