Many old model vehicles use dynamos to charge the battery and power other electrical components. Manufacturers are, however, beginning to use alternators in their place. Unlike dynamos, they produce more power and meet the power demands for new vehicle models. However, replacing dynamo brushes is crucial in car maintenance if your vehicle runs on a dynamo. Manufacturers recommend replacement after 24,000 miles.
You can easily tell when your dynamo isn’t working well. In these events, you should check its components to find the issues. One of the most common of these is the dynamo brushes. They are made from carbon since it is a string and has excellent power transmission capabilities. The dynamo brushes help in power transmission within the dynamo and ensure the power it generates is adequately channeled to the battery and other components. Errors in the dynamo brushes can easily stall your ca or make the battery ineffective.
When Should You Replace The Dynamo Brushes?
Knowing when to replace the dynamo brushes allows you to identify problems before escalating. There are various indicators you can look out for. Here are some of the simplest signs any average car owner can interpret as problems arising from a malfunctioned dynamo brush.
#1. Unpredictable Shutdowns
If your car shuts down unprecedently, the dynamo brushes might be damaged. Since they ensure proper power transmission to the battery and other electrical components in the vehicle, their damage causes interruptions. Your vehicle will thus begin turning off a short time after you have powered it on.
#2. Faster Battery Discharge
When your dynamo brushes aren’t working well, there won’t be enough power to recharge the battery. It will thus run flat in no time, and your vehicle will stall. This indicates that the dynamo has a problem, most especially its brushes.
#3. The Lights Become Dim
The dynamo powers the light circuits within your vehicle. They will thus become dim or fail to light. This shows the dynamo brushes aren’t working correctly and could be damaged. A headlight test helps confirm this. It is when the headlight cannot remain lit for over 15 minutes.
#4. The Check Engine Light Comes On
This engine light identifies any problems with the engine and other electrical components therein. The damage to the dynamo brushes will make it light. You can thus look through the dynamo and confirm the state of the dynamo brushes to begin replacements.
These are situations that will prompt you to replace dynamo brushes. In some cases, the indicators will occur as a combination of all the signs, especially when the dagame is advanced. Replacing these brushes helps make your vehicle work better.
Removing The Dynamo Brushes
The dynamo brushes have coiled springs that hold them against the commutator. Additionally, they have a braided wire attached to a screw that acts as the earthing for the components. It is indeed vital to first identify the setup while removing it to make reassembly easier. Firstly, open the screws holding the braided wire. Secondly, move the ends of the coiled springs to one end of the brush holders to free them. Finally, they are free, and you can pull them out.
You can now inspect their state before deciding to replace dynamo brushes. Measure their length and thickness. The dynamo brushes should measure 13mm by 25mm. If they are smaller than that by a huge margin, you need to replace them. It is also important to inspect their holders and remove any attached particles. It ensures the newly installed ones will easily slide into place and work well. You can now begin installing their replacement.
Refitting New Dynamo Brushes
This process should be done carefully and accurately to ensure the new dynamo brushes work well. In case you encounter challenges, you can contact a technician for assistance. Importantly, ensure that you have the right dynamo brushes model for your vehicle. Get those recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or ones similar to those you are replacing.
Firstly, ensure the brush holders are clean. Soak a rag in petrol and wipe them down gently. This prevents faster dirt accumulation that can damage the new brushes. Secondly, insert the correct end of the brushes into their holders. Importantly ensure that they fit in perfectly as swaying makes them ineffective.
Finally, fit the holders with the commutator and ensure they are firmly in place. Reconnect the correct cables and test the firmness of your installation. Ensure the brushes and their holder are firmly in place. You can now adjust the ends of the coil springs as they were previously installed. You should also be careful not to damage the inner parts of the brushes while refitting the brush holder and the endplate. Close the dynamo using its screws, and it is ready to work efficiently.
If you get new brushes that fail to fit in with the commutator, you can hold them in place using glasspaper. Firstly, remove the dynamo’s armature and completely wrap the glasspaper. You can now fit the endplate and ensure that the brushes are against the glass paper. You can now proceed with the other steps of replacing the brushes. This is how replacing dynamo brushes is done. Importantly, ensure all the new brushes you get are certified and right for your vehicle.
Conclusion
Replacing dynamo brushes can be a technical process. It needs high accuracy to complete successfully, and you should follow its instructions carefully. This will ensure that your replacement works well and that your dynamo can work as well as it should. Indeed, it is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance.
It is important to inspect the commutator while replacing dynamo brushes. They also play an important role in maintaining the brushes’ health. If they work well, your brushes will work well for longer and maintain higher effectiveness. You can clean them using a petrol-soaked rug, and they will begin working well. Making replacements has never been this easy.
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