Quote:
Originally Posted by V6Jim
To expand on this then. Do the cells and motors 'go off'? I'm sure the cells do, even LiPo's, but the motors? What wears out? Can bearings be replaced? What is the general working life of a brushless motor...
Jimmy.
|
To expand on my last reply, some top end motors offer a full range of spares, bearings, sensorboards, rotors, etc. So buying a second hand that needed new bearings would still be significantly cheaper than a new one at full retail price.
The lifetime also depends on the environment that the motor has been run, the previous owners gearing and to some extent driving and maintenance style. Dirt and dust will be the biggest threat to the bearings, rear motor cars have a more exposed motor than mid mount, etc etc. Gearing and how hot its been run in the past will also dictate the life it's had, as will the chassis type, 2wd/4wd, etc.
In terms of how long it will last.. I've personally only been back to the hobby since April this year, so have not yet seen a how long one my my brushless motors has lasted me. But buying a low usage quality brand motor should serve you well, possibly more than a brand new super cheap range motor? Work out what you have to spend and see what's available on oople forsale. some bargains do pop up if you are quick.
Personally I'd always look for a motor with solder posts on, rather than gold bullet style connectors on the can. The motors i've seen in use at my clubs with bullet connectors have all suffered with connectors that have gone bad, built up a high resistance, and heat up so the connector on the wire becomes unsoldered. Obviously this happens mid race, causing the racer to retire.