Ceiling fan motor replacement again

Last year I replaced the motor in the bedroom ceiling fan. Well, it started squeaking again, so I replaced it a second time. I guess this will be a regular thing.

My previous post on this replacement missed a few steps, so I took more pictures this time, so others can use it as a step-by-step guide.

The first step, of course, is to order the replacement motor from the Tiffin Parts Store. It is part number 5011771, “CEILING FAN MOTOR ONLY”, currently about $89 plus shipping. You’ll also need some connectors; I previously used wire nuts, but have since discovered a better technology, Wago lever connectors, available from Amazon.

Here’s the ceiling fan:

Ceiling fan

To begin, unscrew this nut:

Nut

Then remove this retaining clip and washer (which was one of the most difficult parts of the process for me), allowing the fan blades to drop off:

Nut removed

Retaining clip

The removed nut, retaining clip, and washer:

Nut, retaining clip, washer

Next unscrew the three screws near the ceiling to remove the housing:

Housing

With the cover removed, you can cut the wires from the motor (leaving them as long as possible), you don’t need to cut the wires coming from the ceiling, as they go to the direction switch on the cover. In my case, I had orange wire nuts from the previous replacement, so I just undid those.

Then unscrew the motor from the ceiling; remove three screws, plus loosen the fourth for the retaining wire:

Cover removed

The motor removed:

Motor removed

The retaining wire from the motor can then be attached to the ceiling, holding it up there, and the electrical wires connected.

As mentioned, this time I used Wago lever connectors to hook up the motor; they are much easier and more reliable; you just lift the lever, poke in the wire, and close the lever to secure the wire. Here you can see the white wires connected, and one black wire connected, with the lever open for the second one:

Wago lever connectors:

Once the wires are connected, the motor can be mounted to the ceiling. Like last time, I used a couple of washers to space it away from the ceiling to line up the cover holes correctly:

Motor mounted and connected

Another angle showing the Wago connectors:

Motor mounted and connected

Then screw the cover back into place:

Cover reattached

Add the blades, the washer, and the retaining clip:

Blades, washer and clip reattached

And finally the nut:

Nut reattached

Done! Pretty easy. I’ll look forward to doing this again in about a year!