Need help with old TM - Minn Kota Turbo 35

old TM Serial MK01626924 ... I think it is from '94? .... I'm using a diagram from NorthlandMarine.com the following link http://www.northlandmarine.com/image...%2035...98.pdf
Here's a snippet of the diagram...

Attachment 105781
Replacing Brush Kit. Got a couple questions:
1. I cannot get the armature replaced into the Brush Assembly with it binding...The part that is labeled in the diagram as #8 (Brush retainer,circled in red) is a cardboard tube. I assume it holds the brushes back into the slots...and when you push the armature into place, the cardboard sleeve is pushed back by the armature. So this sleeve keeps the brushes pushed back, so the armature can be inserted? But once the armature is in, it is simply out of the way and serves no other purpose. IS that correct? The kit I purchased did not come with this cardboard sleeve (part #8)... Any ideas on how to get the armature back in? I have the old cardboard sleevefrom the original..but it is dilapidated and not rigid enough to work.

2. Part Number 7 above (circled in Blue) ... a little BB sized steel ball. The diagram doesn't show where it goes but I think that it (along with the thrust disk) sit inside of the bearing at the very back of the brush holder...I gather that from the old one being replaced. Question is, there was no steel ball in the old one. Should there be? I don't think I dropped it?

I hope this makes sense....I sure would like to get this old thing working....old brushes were totally shot...it looks great....I think it'll be perfect for pond hopper....

All help appreciated.

I would go in search of a small,thin plastic tube same diameter and thickness as old cardboard tube. Or you may have to find a piece of material you could form into a circle then hot glue to make one. I am assuming the brush holder is mounted inside the nosecone where you couldn't use anything to pry the brushes back while inserting the armature.
On question about ball, if the end of the shaft has a recess machined into it I would say you need the ball, once inserted and tightened up not enough play to let it slip out and it would run against thrust plate. If shaft is smooth on end no ball needed it would just run against the plate and only when under extreme thrust.

Look at the brush holder closely. Each holder should have a hole or a slot in it. Push the brush back past the hole/slot and insert a tooth pick to capture the brush. Put brush holder on armature, remove tooth picks, reassemble motor. Hope you got a new seal kit also.

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I just did a 55# MinnKota. My kit from Northland came with a new cardboard sleeve. Maybe call them and they can send you one? Otherwise try and use some glue and reshape your's and stiffen it up. It only has to work momentarily. There ain't no way you can do it without that spacer. I don't remember a ball bearing in mine. Could it go at the very back of the armature shaft serving as a thrust bearing?