Brush Inspection

Inspect for missing hard tops Do not mix brush grades.

Replace as complete set per ring

Assuming all brushes are changed at the annual inspection and worst case wear rates to make it to
the next inspection, to avoid going under 1.5” minimum allowable length, a conservative brush
change strategy is shown below:
Locomotive on a 92 day RM interval
Inspection Suggest changing all brushes on ring if any
back side length measures less than:
Locomotive on a 184 day RM interval
Inspection Suggest changing all brushes on ring if
92RM 2, 3/8”
any back side length measures less than:
184RM 2, 1/8” 1
184RM 2, 3/8” GE Title or job number
7/15/2014
276RM 1, 7/8”
 Inspection of Alternator Slip Ring/Collector Ring Assembly

Inspect ALL cables/wires (Over-Heated Terminals, Damaged Insulation,

Loose Electrical Connections):

• Brush Pig-Tail to Brush Holder

• Brush Holder to External Lead

Inspect for insulation damage where the cable passes through the
Slip Ring/Collector Ring Assembly Cover.
Inspect for damage to the rubber grommets where the cables pass
through the Slip Ring/Collector Ring Assembly Cover.

• Brush Holder to Brush Holder Connection Straps/Buss Bars

Inspect the Buss Bars between the Brush Holders for cracks by
gently squeezing the bars together and looking for crack near the
ends by the bolts. If crack is found: Replace Buss Bar(s) and
ensure bolts are torqued to 22-24 ft-lbs.

• Slip Ring/Collector Ring Stud to Rotor cable connection

Are Brush Holders tight to Brush Holder Stud and centered on Collector
Rings?
If a Brush Holder is loose and/or misaligned:

• Change Brushes if the running surface of the Brush is uneven.

• Inspect the Brush Holder for signs of damage like arching to another
Brush Holder or the Collector Ring. Replace Brush Holder if any
damage is found.

• Reposition Brush Holder and torque ALL Brush Holder Clamp bolts to
16-18 Ft-lbs.

Inspect Brushes for

• Signs of excessive heat on running surface and/or Pig-Tails

• Uneven wear on Running Surface

• Uneven wear between Brushes on the same Ring

• Rubber Hardtop between the carbons is loose or has fallen off

• Brush length insufficient to make next maintenance interval

 Inspection of Alternator Slip Ring/Collector Ring Assembly

Note: Always replace Brushes in complete Sets meaning all Brushes on a specific Ring.

Brush Holder Springs properly engaged?

Inspect Slip Ring/Collector Ring Assembly for

• Nicked, torn, or melted Teflon on each of the 4 studs that pass through the
collector ring. It maybe necessary to bar over the Engine or use a mirror
to view all 4 studs. Defects can be very subtle driving the need to inspect
thoroughly. If damage is found on the Collector Ring Studs contact your
Technical Director.

• Loose Rings by trying to wiggle them by hand. If a loose ring is found the
Slip Ring/Collector Ring must be replaced.

• Surface finish defects on each of the Rings. Surface MUST be flat & have
a mirror-like finish. Run your fingernail across the surface to look for
ridges, scalloping, & pitting. Minor pitting and ridges less than 0.10 inches
can most likely be dressed (Stoned, etc).

Are bolts connecting the Brush Holder Studs to the Brush Holder Mounting
Plate tight?

Are bolts connecting the Brush Holder Mounting Plate to the Frame Head
tight?