De Walt drill burning smell

[EddyP]

Ive got a DC988 18 volt dewalt drill, which is absolutely fantastic and about 2 or 3 years old now. It's had a fair bit of use, but no where near what a contractor would put it through.
So i'm a bit suprised that lately its started to have an electrical burning smell from the motor vents.
Its your typical burning motor smell, anyone else had similar issues? Could it be the brushes need replacing?

Thanks.

 

[big-all]

first thoughts would be the brushes

second though would be to ask if the drill has remained uncoverd [not in a box]idle for quite a while somwhere damp and cold

have a look through the vents and look for excessive sparks

http://www.mtmc.co.uk/prodtype.asp?PT_ID=12709887&strPageHistory=cat

at least youve chosen a model with replaceable brushes

 

[EddyP]

There's plenty of sparks, thats one thing which made me think it would be brushes.
Bit suprised how quickly they've gone though.

 

[big-all]

the damp wet conditions can cause the brushes to glaze over requiring a quick rub on emmery cloth to deglaze the brushes[do NOT touch the commutator]

other things that can happen with excessive arcing is the springs can loose there tension through overheating

 

[EddyP]

I'll order a pair of brushes and get it to bits and have a look then.

Thanks for the info