# Newbie needs gear

**URL:** <https://community.electricforum.com/t/newbie-needs-gear/642>\
**Category:** Conversion Kits\
**Created:** [April 28, 2008, 12:16pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/newbie-needs-gear/642 "2008-04-28T12:16:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/2X/3/39a85005e560a17cb7d1911f680d6d719ec7aa6b.jpeg) [@system](https://community.electricforum.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [April 28, 2008, 12:16pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/newbie-needs-gear/642/1 "2008-04-28T12:16:34Z")

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Hello,

I’m a newbie to the EV world in some respects. I have a background in science so the number crunching and “stuff done on paper” comes easy. What doesn’t come so easy is the actual hands on application.

I have an EV (converted ford escort). I didn’t build it though.

I need to know what kind of equipment I’m going to need to maintain it. Basically, what are common problem areas and what kind of tools/equipment are required to fix it? I’d like to head off problems before they occur.

Thanks.

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**Author:** ![frodus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@frodus](https://community.electricforum.com/u/frodus)\
**Post date:** [April 28, 2008, 1:28pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/newbie-needs-gear/642/2 "2008-04-28T13:28:26Z")

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EV stuff:  
-maintain batteries (if they’re flooded cells, you’ll need a specific gravity tester and maintain them by adding water)  
-replace batteries that are routinely low or swelling from overcharge  
-Motor brushes  
-fuses if any are blown  
-contact cleaner, if needed, for the throttle pot  
-motor bearings  
-keep the motor clean and free of dirt/oil/dust/grease  
-check the contactor contacts for moderate/severe pitting and wear

normal car stuff:  
-maintain the transmission (see your car’s manual)  
-tires, grease the suspension/bushings etc.  
-brake fluid  
-lights  
-etc

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/2X/3/39a85005e560a17cb7d1911f680d6d719ec7aa6b.jpeg) [@system](https://community.electricforum.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [April 28, 2008, 5:29pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/newbie-needs-gear/642/3 "2008-04-28T17:29:44Z")

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So it doesn’t look like I have a lot to maintain. The batteries are sealed AGM, so I don’t have to do too much there.

Some big ones on the list that I don’t know much about are the motor components. What is the lifespan of the motors’ brushes and bearings? If these were to need replacement, am I looking at removing the motor from the tranny?