Motor suggestions for 36V PDS

[sjm1978]

Pretty sure my motor has died on my 2005 36V PDS. I was having issues for the past 8 months with it intermittently not going when I hit the pedal, couple pumps and it takes off. I noticed the top speed has dropped significantly and it has more trouble than normal climbing hills. Few weeks ago it finally came to a stop for good after bucking, shaking with a top speed of about 3 mph.

I got hold of a service manual and ended up at step #11 in the flowchart: Replace Motor.

Anyway, I fully charged it and am going to go through the flowchart again just to double check.

Any recommendations on a new motor? I do not plan on upgrading the voltage and can't really afford a new upgraded controller at this point so I will be running the stock curtis controller. Thanks in advance, and happy weekend!

[Volt_Ampere]

If you're on a budget, I would remove and disassemble the motor and see if it can be saved. Sometimes it just needs new brushes and a cleaning of the commutator. Much cheaper than a new motor.

[sjm1978]

Originally Posted by Volt_Ampere

If you're on a budget, I would remove and disassemble the motor and see if it can be saved. Sometimes it just needs new brushes and a cleaning of the commutator. Much cheaper than a new motor.

I'll give that a shot and if no go, I'm willing to splurge for a good motor. And hopefully upgrade the controller next year. Thanks for your input, going to give it a shot today.

[sjm1978]

I ended up having to drop the rear end, motor wouldn't come out and I didn't want to pry on it. Got it out and I am going to bypass trying to clean it. It's nasty and it's going to be so much work putting it back together I don't want to do it twice.

Any suggestions on motors? I have decided that I might upgrade the motor and controller. I would like to get one that will run 36V and also 48V if I decide to upgrade later.

[scottyb]

It's not easy picking an upgraded motor for use with a stock controller. Admiral says you can use the B2 motor but I have heard the Admiral motor performance is significantly diminished when used with a stock control. So Admiral B2 may be a good choice if you are planning on a controller upgrade soon. It is a great little motor.
Otherwise send or take the old motor to a motor specialist aka Starter and Alternator repair shop for a rebuild.

[sjm1978]

I took it to a place that specializes in rebuilding electric motors on golf carts and EVs. They took it a part and the brushes were completely gone. Guy said he never saw a motor with that much wear on the brushes. They are going to replace the brushes and lathe some minor pitting on the armature. Should have it back in the next day or two.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by sjm1978

I took it to a place that specializes in rebuilding electric motors on golf carts and EVs. They took it a part and the brushes were completely gone. Guy said he never saw a motor with that much wear on the brushes. They are going to replace the brushes and lathe some minor pitting on the armature. Should have it back in the next day or two.

You should be good to go

[XCOP1152]

Originally Posted by sjm1978

I took it to a place that specializes in rebuilding electric motors on golf carts and EVs. They took it a part and the brushes were completely gone. Guy said he never saw a motor with that much wear on the brushes. They are going to replace the brushes and lathe some minor pitting on the armature. Should have it back in the next day or two.

Hey, if this is an inappropriate question please accept my apologies, and feel free to not post a reply. My question is what did you pay to have the brushes replaced? I may be looking at the same issue you are having, and am curious on the price. Would it be worth doing myself? Thank you.