Long-term railway service partner

Traction Motor Repair

With decades of hands-on experience in the rail sector, our engineers provide emergency traction motor repairs, expert fault diagnosis, rewinds, and full overhauls for all major types and associated equipment. Whether it’s a single breakdown or a planned fleet overhaul, we respond fast — because we know that every minute matters.

An image of a rewound DC traction motor

Common Problems With DC Traction Motors

Traction motors are subject to frequent high torque loads. Withstanding this amount of load regularly can affect components of the motor such as bearings, carbon brushes and the commutator. Some of the more common issues which make traction motor repairs  necessary include:

  • Commutator surface wear caused by overloading, vibration, incorrect brush size or brush wear.
  • Carbon brush wear leading to a build-up of carbon dust, commutator sparking and damage to the motor’s armature.
  • Bearing failure, caused by insufficient lubrication, incorrect lubricant, misalignment, excessive vibration, shaft overload and overheating.
  • Excessive motor vibration leading to carbon brush wear, winding faults, sparking and commutator damage

Our Traction Motor Overhaul Process

Every traction motor that comes into our workshop goes through a detailed overhaul to
restore performance, reliability, and appearance. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Initial Inspection – We assess the motor for immediate faults or damage.
  2. Full Disassembly – All components are checked for wear, fatigue, or distortion.
  3. Deep Clean – The motor is stripped and steam cleaned to remove contaminants.
  4. Bearing Replacement – Old bearings are removed and replaced with new, high-quality units.
  5. Finishing – The motor is cleaned and painted.
  6. Reassembly & Testing – Once reassembled, the motor undergoes final testing to confirm full functionality and performance.

The result? A fully overhauled traction motor—tested, reliable, and ready for service

An image of a DC traction motor taken apart

Case Studies

This is why

1. Speed of service

Reducing your downtime is our main priority. That’s why, from the moment you call to the final report, we move fast. No delays. Just results.

2. High-quality service

With over 100 years experience, we’ve built a reputation on precision, excellence, and constant improvement. You expect the best—we deliver it.

3. One-stop shop

The vast experience of our staff, combined with our state-of-the-art workshop, provide us with flexibility. We do not only repair – we manufacture.

4. ATEX motors specialists

Repairing all types of ATEX motors. We are an AEMT Ex Registered Repairer recognised for our quality systems and professional repair standards.

Traction Motor Repair FAQ

What is a traction motor?

A traction motor is an electric motor designed to convert electrical energy into mechanical for the propulsion of trains.

What are some signs of traction motor wear?

Signs of motor wear include: unusual noise, overheating, unusual vibration, burning smell, or reduced performance.

When should I have my traction motor repaired?

Look out for the signs of failure in the question above. The earlier they are noticed, the less expensive your motor repair will be.

How much does a traction motor repair cost?

The cost of repairing an electric motor can vary. One thing is guaranteed - routine maintenance is always cheaper. Contact us to get a quote today.

Contact Mawdsleys Today for Swift Motor Support