Even if you have a top-quality drone, you might have motor issues and need a drone motor repair guide. Most drones are fixable products so that you can repair or replace broken motors and other parts. While a faulty drone motor will stop you from flying, it’s not usually the problem. So, before you go shopping for a fresh motor, read this guide on how to fix a drone motor.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Before opening your drone, check the outside for signs of damage like loose wires or obstructed propellers.
- Try a new battery, and ensure that your drone controller is correctly connected to your drone.
- If your motor is damaged, consider a complete replacement if you cannot pinpoint the exact failure point.
How to Fix a Drone Motor
Before working on your faulty motor, investigate how to design a drone so you understand the basics of drone maintenance and types of repairs. In addition, ensuring you get the correct motor for a replacement is an essential step before fixing a drone that won’t fly.
Insider Tip
Start with the most straightforward drone motor repair before advancing to more complex or expensive solutions.
Like building an obstacle avoidance drone, you should keep your soldering iron on hand if you find disconnected motor wires. The motors are located under the drone propellers, and you need some basic soldering skills before breaking open the original motor shaft.
STEP 1
Begin by checking the propeller and propeller shaft for debris, stopping them from spinning correctly. If you notice any obstructions, use a small brush and water to clear them away.
STEP 2
Next, try a different battery in your drone. A dead or bad battery can struggle to supply your drone motors with enough power to operate correctly.
STEP 3
Ensure that your remote controller is connected and fully operational. Some drones do not work correctly without a solid connection to the controller. Update your drone controller’s firmware, and resync it to your drone.
STEP 4
Misaligned gyros can cause some blades to spin slower than usual. Place your drone on a flat surface and complete the calibration process to ensure that your gyros are correctly initialized.
STEP 5
Next, ensure that there aren’t any loose wires coming from your motor or drone. Wires can tear and dislodge during crashes into trees, bushes, and grass. Unless you have some soldering skills, we recommend using your warranty or taking the unit to a drone repair shop.
STEP 6
Check the condition of your propellers. If you notice any cracks or damage to your propellers, they can affect your motor’s operation. Luckily, propellers are simple to remove and replace with a screwdriver.
STEP 7
Lastly, check your motor for signs of damage. You need to remove the battery from your drone and remove the top casing to see if the internal components are bent or broken. If you are uncomfortable operating on a motor, we recommend activating your warranty or taking your drone to a repair shop for a replacement.
Warning
Always remove your batteries before performing drone maintenance. The propellers can cut you if they spin unexpectedly.
F.A.Q.S
How do I Fix Drone Drift?
Typically, you can fix drone drift by calibrating the unit with the flight controller. You should also consider updating or reinstalling your drone and remote firmware. Lastly, check the condition of your motors and propellers, and ensure that your drone frame is fully intact.
What Causes A Motor To Spin Slower?
The most common cause of a laggy drone motor is debris and dirt caught in the assembly. You can remove the entire motor assembly and clean it with a small brush and water to fix this. Additionally, an internal wire might be loose, causing a lack of power flow to the motor. In a worst-case scenario, the motor could be damaged.
Do drone motors wear out?
Most drone motors have a long life expectancy because they use a brushless motor, and you should expect up to two years on your drone’s original motor. That said, some experts suggest that your drone motor can last up to ten years with proper maintenance.
STAT: According to a Pew Research Center survey, 73% of Americans aged 65+ do not think drones should fly near residential areas. (source)
