I've never replaced brushes in a motor but need to now since one is so worn down my motor won't run. I installed some new brushes which I had to file down to fit the width and height. My question is how long are they supposed to be? I gave it a test run and my motor ran unusually hot and I think it may be because my springs are pushing the brushes too hard causing binding. Like I say, I'm new to this...

Will they eventually wear down and create less binding or am I doing this all wrong? I tried to bend the springs to create less tension but my motor still seems to warm up quickly, even when not running it with any load (ie just the motor running not connected to the trans). Any advice or links is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

i think your first mistake was using brushes that were to big

good contact permits good energy transfer and heat absorbtion

when your brushes skip it arcs and when it arcs it generates lots of heat and sometimes burns the coppper, on top of that, brushes act as a heatsink, ever wonder with on good mills end-bells (havent used that term forever) have little aluminum heat sinks on them.

so in the end, because its not a good match, your causing the motor to arc, scorching your copper, and is making it get very hot.

DO NOT use incorrect brushes on the motor, you must get proper brushes, its very important as its the reason to break in brushes- to properly mate the brush and commutator (another old word)

get the right brushes.