Common Problems with Electric Motors

Electric motors are at the heart of countless industrial operations from production lines to pumping stations. When they fail, the consequences can be costly. Fortunately, many common electric motor problems can be diagnosed early and fixed before causing major downtime.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most frequent issues we see at Machine Technik, what causes them, and how to prevent them with professional servicing.

⚠️ 1. Overheating

Cause: Overheating is typically caused by poor ventilation, excessive load, or electrical imbalances.
Signs: Burning smell, hot motor housing, tripping protection devices.
Fix: Clean the ventilation paths, verify load levels, and check voltage balance. Regular servicing helps prevent these issues from escalating.

⚠️ 2. Bearing Failure

Cause: Lack of lubrication, contamination, or misalignment.
Signs: Grinding noises, vibration, or motor shaft wobble.
Fix: Bearings may need replacement, along with a full alignment check and lubrication plan. We often detect these early during our routine inspections.

⚠️ 3. Electrical Imbalances

Cause: Voltage irregularities, insulation failure, or phase issues.
Signs: Inconsistent performance, motor running hot, flickering or surging.
Fix: Electrical testing (megohmmeter, multimeter) and insulation inspection are required. Rewinds or repairs might be needed depending on the extent of the issue.

⚠️ 4. Shaft Misalignment

Cause: Improper installation or long-term wear.
Signs: Excessive vibration, noise, uneven belt wear.
Fix: Laser alignment tools or manual recalibration can correct shaft issues. Regular alignment checks are key to extending motor lifespan.

⚠️ 5. Contamination (Dust, Water, Oil)

Cause: Environmental exposure or failed seals.
Signs: Internal corrosion, burnt windings, clogged ventilation.
Fix: Clean, dry, and reseal the motor. Upgrade housing or install protective covers if operating in harsh environments.

⚠️ 6. Winding Damage

Cause: Electrical surges, overheating, or mechanical strain.
Signs: Motor won’t start, tripped breakers, erratic behaviour.
Fix: Winding repairs or a complete motor rewind may be necessary—something our workshop team can handle quickly.

How to Prevent Motor Failure

Regular maintenance and proactive inspections are the best defence against motor issues. At Machine Technik, we offer:
  • On-site fault diagnostics
  • Preventative motor maintenance plans
  • Emergency breakdown repair
  • Full rewinds and refurbishments
We help UK businesses extend motor lifespan, minimise downtime, and stay compliant with 2025 efficiency standards.

Need Professional Electric Motor Repair?

If your motor is overheating, vibrating, or simply not running right, don't wait until failure stops your operation.

Explore our Electric Motor Repair Services to see how we can help you stay up and running—fast.