Is It Worth Repairing an Electric Motor?

If your electric motor has failed or is showing signs of wear you might be asking: “Is it worth repairing, or should I just replace it?”

The answer depends on several factors, including the age of the motor, the type of damage, the availability of parts, and how critical it is to your operations.

At Machine Technik, we help clients across the UK weigh the pros and cons of repair vs replacement every day. Here's what you should consider.

When Is It Worth Repairing an Electric Motor?

Repairing is often the better option when:

  • The motor is relatively new or mid-life
    Many industrial motors are built to last 10–20 years. If your motor has life left in it, repairs or rewinds can restore full performance at a fraction of the cost of a new unit.
  • The damage is limited
    Issues like bearing failure, insulation breakdown, or winding faults are repairable—especially when caught early through preventative maintenance.
  • The motor is high value or custom
    Large or specialised motors can be expensive and take weeks to replace. In many cases, we can turn around a full repair in under 48 hours—saving both time and money.
  • Downtime is critical
    Repairs are often faster than sourcing and installing a new unit. If downtime is costing your business, repair becomes the obvious choice.

When Replacement Might Be Better

You may want to consider replacement if:
  • The motor is obsolete or parts are no longer available
  • The repair cost exceeds 60–70% of replacement value
  • Efficiency gains from a new model would offer long-term energy savings
  • There is extensive physical damage (e.g. cracked casing, burnt windings beyond repair)
In these cases, we’ll always offer honest advice about whether repair is cost-effective or not.

Repair vs Replace: A Quick Cost Comparison

Situation Recommended Option
Motor is under 10 years old, repair under £1,000 - ✅ Repair
Rewind cost is 70%+ of new motor - ❌ Replace
Downtime losses exceed replacement lead time - ✅ Repair
Energy usage is excessive, older technology - ❌ Replace (consider upgrade)


What We Offer at Machine Technik

Our electric motor repair services include:
  • Motor rewinds & overhauls
  • Fault diagnostics & performance testing
  • Same-day emergency repairs
  • Gearbox and drive servicing
  • Preventative maintenance plans

We’ll always provide a detailed assessment and transparent quote so you can make the right call for your business.

Need a Motor Assessed?

If you're unsure whether to repair or replace your motor, we're here to help.

 to learn more or request a quote today.