What are the basic steps for pool pump motor repair?

The basic steps for repairing a pool pump motor depends on the problem with the motor. For example, the steps required to repair the bearings are different than replacing the motor itself.

Replacing the bearings in a pool pump motor requires purchasing the correct bearings and taking the motor apart.

1. Remove the motor

Remove the pump motor from the pump's housing.

2. Remove the diffuser

Snap the diffuser off the impeller.

3. Take off the electrical cover

Remove the electrical cover and impeller by removing the screws that hold it in place.

4. Secure the shaft

Secure the motor shaft with a flat, open-ended wrench until it catches the flat piece of the shaft.

5. Take off the impeller

Twist the impeller off by turning it counter-clockwise. Use a wrench to loosen it, if necessary.

6. Take off the seal plate

Lift off the seal plate.

7. Take note of the top marking

Make a mental note of the "Top" marking on the seal plate and the mounting plate. These markings must line up when reassembling the mechanism.

8. Replace the shaft seal

Replace the shaft seal even if replacing the motor.

9. Remove the motor mounting plate

Remove the bolts that hold on the motor mounting plate and take off the plate.

10. Take out the water slinger

Remove the rubber boot around the motor shaft, called the water slinger.

11. Remove the V-switch

Remove the V-switch to gain access to the governor.

12. Release the capacitor

Release the capacitor by removing the screw at the top. Do not disconnect, but push it to one side.

13. Take out the governor springs

Use a pair of small pliers to slip the governor springs off their posts.

14. Remove the weight

Remove the weight that sits inside the governor bracket. It should just slip off, but use a small pair of pliers to remove it, if necessary.

15. Take off the governor bracket

Unscrew the screw holding the bracket in place and remove the governor bracket.

16. Remove the through bolts
Remove the four visible through bolts.
17. Take off the front-end bell

Using a hammer, gently tap the front-end bell to separate it from the shell.

18. Pull out the rotor

Take the rotor and shaft assembly out of the shell.

19. Take out the rear bearing load spring

Take out the rear bearing load spring by removing it from the back of the shell.

20. Remove the bearing screw

Remove the bearing locking screw used to hold in the front bearing.

21. Remove the front-end bell

Tap the front-end bell lightly with a hammer until it comes loose. Remove the bell.

22. Pull off the rear bearing

Using a bearing puller, remove the rear bearing.

23. Remove the front bearing snap ring

Take off the front bearing snap ring using a pair of ring pliers.

24. Take out the front bearing

Take out the front bearing using the nearing puller.

25. Slip off the washer

Slip off the washer behind the front bearing.

Now that the pump has been disassembled, replace the parts as necessary. Reassemble the pump in the reverse order.