Need to replace or retain a bearing in your Foil Drive motor? Follow this guide for the correct bearing replacement and retention process, including the key steps and considerations for a secure, reliable motor assembly.

If a ceramic bearing in your Foil Drive motor is damaged, loose, or requires replacement, this guide will walk you through how to remove, replace and secure the bearings correctly. This guide is the latest recommendation on bearing retention.&#xA0;Note:&#xA0;For customers who have an Assist, Assist PLUS or V1 Stator, you can apply an additional compound called Loctite 620 around the outer race of the bearing, before seating into the stator. See last video link below for visual instructions. This step is not required on V2 stators.&#xA0;<a href="https://foildrive.com/products/motor-servicing-kit-1?_pos=2&amp;_sid=56ecd8a35&amp;_ss=r&amp;variant=43679459410093" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Purchase a Motor Servicing Kit</a>Watch the instructional video here:&#xA0; <a href="https://youtu.be/MmuYOoNpgmw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Removing Bearings with the Motor Separation Jig&#xA0;</a>Watch the instructional video here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugSMsYUAybk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Securing Bearings in Foil Drive Motor</a>Watch the instructional video here: <a href="https://youtu.be/Sb8xwhIjZlw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Securing Bearings in V1 and Assist PLUS Stators</a>Motor Bearing LocationsYour Foil Drive motor contains three bearings. The locations are numbered 1, 2 and 3 in the motor diagram above.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/z8QbV2Pk1e6ogePy/hc/g5KDM28bvmx9aByw/2026090402-47ecc100-2711-4a31-87dc-c03c40b29688-motor%20diagram1.jpg" style="width: 375px;" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-fir">Important: For all Gen2 &amp; Gen2.5 systems, the stainless-steel bearing must be installed in Position 1 &#x2014; the outermost bearing.&#xA0;Using a ceramic bearing in Position 1 can result in premature bearing failure and potentially cause significant damage to the motor.Note: The instructional video below is from an earlier bearing procedure. Always follow the bearing type and position information in this article.<h2 id="isPasted" style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">Before You Begin</h2><h3 style="line-height: 2;" id="you-will-need">You will need</h3><ul data-spread="false"><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Flat-blade screwdriver</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Clean, dry cloths</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Replacement Foil Drive ceramic and/or stainless-steel bearing(s)</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Bearing press tool, included with the bearing purchase</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Loctite&#xAE; 480</li></ul><h3 style="line-height: 2;" id="you-may-also-need">You may also need</h3><ul data-spread="false"><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Small hammer</li></ul><h2 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;" id="safety-information">Safety Information</h2>Damaged ceramic bearings can produce very sharp fragments.If you are removing a damaged ceramic bearing, always wear:<ul data-spread="false"><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Safety glasses</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Protective gloves</li></ul>If the ceramic bearing housing is difficult to remove, carefully use a flat-blade screwdriver and light hammer taps to crack the ceramic housing and release the bearing.Take care not to damage the motor components or stator when removing the bearing.<h1 id="isPasted" style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">Removing a Bearing</h1><ol data-spread="false" start="1"><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Remove the motor rotor from the stator.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Identify the bearing that requires replacement.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Carefully remove the damaged or loose bearing.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">If a ceramic bearing has broken, ensure all ceramic fragments are removed from the motor.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Clean the bearing seat and surrounding area with a clean, dry cloth.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Inspect the bearing seat and stator for any signs of damage before installing the replacement bearing.</li></ol>If the stator or bearing seat is damaged, stop the installation and contact Foil Drive Support.<h1 id="isPasted" style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">Installing a Replacement Bearing</h1><ol data-spread="false" start="1"><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Confirm that you have the correct bearing for the required position.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">For Gen2 systems, ensure the stainless-steel bearing is installed in Position 1 &#x2014; the outermost bearing.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Carefully position the new bearing into the bearing seat.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Use the supplied bearing press tool to press the bearing fully and evenly into position.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Confirm that the bearing is seated correctly before applying adhesive.</li></ol><h1 id="isPasted" style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">Securing Loose or New Bearings</h1>If a bearing is still in good condition but has become loose in the stator, it can be secured using Loctite 480.Loctite 480 helps retain the outer bearing housing in the stator and is particularly useful for bearings that have become slightly loose over time.<h3 style="line-height: 2;" id="applying-loctite-480">Applying Loctite 480</h3><ol data-spread="false" start="1"><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Ensure the bearing and surrounding area are clean and dry.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Apply a small amount of Loctite 480 around the outside of the bearing housing, where it contacts the stator.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Carefully work the adhesive around the outer circumference of the bearing.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Avoid applying excessive adhesive.</li></ol>IMPORTANT: Do not allow Loctite 480 to enter the centre of the bearing or contact the bearing&apos;s moving surfaces.If adhesive enters the centre of the bearing, it can cause the bearing to seize and may result in damage when the motor is operated.The video demonstrates the correct application of Loctite 480 to the outside of the bearing housing.&#xA0;Important: The video is from an earlier procedure. For all Gen2 systems, the stainless-steel bearing must be installed in Position 1 (outermost bearing).<h1 id="isPasted" style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">Allow the Adhesive to Cure</h1>After applying Loctite 480, allow the adhesive to cure for a minimum of 24 hours before operating the motor.Do not operate the motor before the adhesive has fully cured.<h1 id="isPasted" style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">Reinstalling the Rotor</h1>When reinstalling the rotor onto the stator, take care to prevent the rotor from snapping into position.Always:<ol data-spread="false" start="1"><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Hold the rotor securely with both hands.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Slowly guide the rotor onto the stator.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">As the magnets begin to engage, continue guiding the rotor down under control.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Do not allow the rotor to snap onto the stator.</li></ol>Allowing the rotor to snap into place can put excessive force on the bearings and may cause them to move or become damaged.<h1 id="isPasted" style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">Checking Your Bearings</h1>You can check whether a bearing requires replacement by inspecting the inner race for movement.To test the bearing:<ol data-spread="false" start="1"><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Insert your little finger or a pen into the centre of the bearing.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Gently lift upwards.</li><li style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 2;">Check for movement of the inner race.</li></ol>If the inner race has noticeable movement, the bearing should be replaced.<h1 id="isPasted" style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">Common Questions</h1><h3 style="line-height: 2;" id="how-can-i-prevent-the-bearings-from-popping-out">How can I prevent the bearings from popping out?</h3>When reinstalling the rotor, always use both hands to slowly guide it onto the stator.As the magnets begin to engage, prevent the rotor from snapping into position. A sudden magnetic engagement can put excessive force on the bearings and cause them to move or become damaged.<h3 style="line-height: 2;" id="how-do-i-know-if-my-bearings-need-replacing">How do I know if my bearings need replacing?</h3>Check the inner race of the bearing for movement. Insert your little finger or a pen into the centre of the bearing and gently lift upwards.If the inner race has noticeable movement, the bearing should be replaced.<h3 id="isPasted" style="line-height: 2;">Can I use Loctite 480 inside the bearing?</h3>No.Loctite 480 should only be applied around the outside of the bearing housing, where it contacts the stator.Do not allow adhesive to enter the centre of the bearing or contact the moving surfaces. This can cause the bearing to seize and may damage the motor.<h3 style="line-height: 2;" id="how-long-should-i-wait-before-using-my-motor">How long should I wait before using my motor?</h3>Allow a minimum of 24 hours for Loctite 480 to fully cure before operating the motor.<h3 style="line-height: 2;" id="can-foil-drive-replace-my-motor-bearings-for-me">Can Foil Drive replace my motor bearings for me?</h3>Yes. Foil Drive has service centres in Adelaide, Australia and Florida, USA that can carry out motor servicing and bearing replacement.If you would like to send your equipment to a Foil Drive service centre, please contact <a href="mailto:support@foildrive.com">support@foildrive.com</a> to arrange the repair or maintenance.

Motor Bearing Replacement & Retention

Need to repair your Foil Drive motor? Follow this guide for the correct stator and rotor repair process, including key steps and considerations for safely restoring your motor to reliable operation.

Stator and Rotor Repair Guide

Contact us if you cannot find the information your need in the help center.

If you have suggestions for new articles or find broken links or errors, please let us know so we can improve this knowledge base!

To contact your local dealer, please see the store locator under the 'Dealers' menu on our foildrive.com website.

Give Foil Drive a call in Adelaide, Australia GMT+9.5

Visit the Website

Find a Local Dealer

Read the Blog

Foil Drive

Motor

Repair & Replacement Guides

Why Use Foil Drive?

Gen2.5 Architecture – Fusion & Max+

Foil Drive FM+ 650 Battery Overview

Foil Drive Gen2.5 Max+ Overview

Foil Drive Gen2.5 Fusion Overview

Foil Drive Gen2 Assist Max Overview

Foil Drive Gen2 MAX Battery Overview

Gen2 SLIM Endurance Battery Configuration

Foil Drive Gen2 Assist SLIM Overview

Foil Drive V2 Motor Overview

Choosing the Correct V2 Motor Cable Length

Motor Mounting: Universal vs Integrated Masts

Propeller Guide: Choosing the Right Propeller

Two Blade vs Three Blade Hub Configuration

Choosing the Right Board for Foil Drive

Carbon Boards & How to Optimise Signal

External Patch Antenna – Overview

AFS Carbon Integrated Mast

AK Durable Carbon Mast

Armstrong Carbon Integrated Mast

AXIS Aluminium Integrated Mast

AXIS Carbon Integrated Mast

Cedrus V2 Aluminium Integrated Mast

CLOUD IX Carbon Integrated Mast

Code UHM Carbon Integrated Mast

F-One Aluminium Integrated Mast

North Aluminium Mast

North Carbon Integrated Mast

RRD V2 Aluminium Integrated Mast

Slingshot V2 Aluminium Integrated Mast

Unifoil Aluminium Integrated Mast

Gen2 Assist SLIM Battery Overview

Foil Drive Integrated Mast Range

Learn, Discover & Compare

International Orders: Currency, Duties and Import Fees

Warranty Policy

Returns & Exchanges

Foil Drive Registration Requirements

Registration Documents

Customer Service

Important Safety Information

What to Do in a Battery Emergency

What to Do if Your Assist or Assist PLUS Battery Gets Wet

What to Do if Your Gen2.5 Battery Gets Wet

V2 Propeller Guard: An Additional Layer of Protection

Surf & Foil Etiquette: Sharing the Ocean Responsibly

Use Your Foil Drive as Intended

Controller Safety Before Entering the Water

Tilt Sensor: Why It Matters for Rider Safety

Safety

Universal Mini Pod Installation and User Guide

Carbon Mast & Motor Installation Guide

How to Install a Cable on a V2 Motor

Installing Your Foil Drive on an AXIS Pocket Trench Board

How to Install the V2 Propeller Guard

Installing Your Foil Drive System for the First Time

Measuring Bolt Length for Gen2 & Gen2.5

Nose Cone Rocker Foam Pads

Correctly Closing the Electronics Box Latches

Three Blade Hub & Propeller Installation

Universal Mast Adaptor Installation

Motor Plug & Bolt Installation

External Antenna Installation Guide

Assemble & Install

Safe Charging Principles for Foil Drive Batteries

43V Charger - Overview and User Guide

Charging Batteries: Best Practices

Fusion Battery Caddy Overview and User Guide

Charging Your Foil Drive Battery from a Vehicle or Portable Power Station

How to Charge Your V3 Controller

Why Did My New Battery Arrive with a Low Charge?

Charging

V3 Controller Overview - Features & Functions

Understanding Lock Functions

Understanding Throttle Mapping

Understanding Boost Mode

Understanding the Tilt Sensor

Trigger Mode vs Gear Mode: Which Should You Use?

Optimising V3 Controller Battery Life

Using GPS on the V3 Controller

Cruise Control Explained

Selecting the Correct Battery Voltage

V3 Controller

V2 Controller Overview

Understanding Throttle Lock

Understanding Cruise Control

Understanding Throttle Limit

V2 Controller

Controller Features and Functions

App Update – What’s New!

Foil Drive App Overview

Understanding Power Modes

Connection Troubleshooting

Understanding Latency

Understanding the Activity and Inactivity Alarms

How to Program Your Foil Drive

Battery Power Output ON/OFF Control

Foil Drive Mobile App

Throttle Spring Replacement

Replacing the Trigger Springs

Controller

Electronics Box Bolt & Thread Care

Water Inside the Nose Cone

Replacing Electronics Box Latches

Electronic Box & Nose Cone

Post-Session & Weekly Maintenance Checklist

Cleaning Your Controller

Motor Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

O-Ring Maintenance

Gen1 Electronics Box Inspection Guide

Battery Care & Best Practices

Preparing Your Foil Drive for Storage (Seasonal or Long-Term)

Battery and Charger Storage Guidelines

Maintenance, Cleaning & Storage

Motor Cutting Out, Stuttering or Spinning Intermittently

Power or Performance Loss & Motor Vibrations

Rotor Seized or Stuck on the Stator

Motor System

Screen Frozen or Not Responding

V3 Controller Charging Issues

Throttle Calibration Guide

Factory Reset Guide

Pairing Guide

Telemetry Issues – Battery Percentage, Speed & Power

Gen2.5 – Charging Troubleshooting

Gen2.5 - Battery Troubleshooting

How to Test Battery & Charger Voltage

43V Battery Shows 100% While Still Charging

Battery & Charger

Gen2 & Gen2.5 – Water Ingress Troubleshooting

Assist & Assist PLUS – Water Ingress Troubleshooting & Dunk Test

Electronic Box

Troubleshooting Guides

Travel Batteries – MAX & SLIM Travel Battery Guide

Assist PLUS Small Battery – Airline Travel & Y Lead Guide

Airline Travel with Foil Drive

Travel

Foil Drive First Ride Tips – Traversing, Falling & Returning to Shore

Finding the Right Throttle & Cruise Speed

Understanding Throttle, Power Usage & Battery Run Time

Transitions, Pre-Spooling & Recovering from a Stall

Wave Riding Tips & Techniques

Take-Off Technique, Small Foils & Boards

Winging with Foil Drive

Riding Tips & Techniques

Looking to Meet the Foil Drive Crew?

Share Your Foil Drive Content

Interested in Joining the Foil Drive Network?

Community & Getting Involved