replacing geared motor in Alphard sidekick

alphard_sidekick.md

Sidekick Gearbox Motor Replacement Guide

🔧 Required Part

• I have been successful in using a 3V 400RPM motor, I tried to reverse engineer the jammed up gearbox as best as I can.
• Tried a 150RPM with the idea that it will be less twichy, but it was the opposite. so mabe I will try a higher RPM motor.
• I did hear back from support that say the right RPM should be 50RPM model, I will try this next and post the updates.

• Replacement Motor from Amazon

🧰 Tools Needed

• Phillips screwdriver
• Soldering iron
• Heat gun (set to ~200°C)

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🛠️ Instructions

1. Loosen Adhesive Panels

• Use a heat gun set to 200°C to soften the adhesive on the top and bottom sticker panels.
• Gently peel off the panels once pliable.

2. Disconnect the Battery

• Use a Phillips screwdriver to open the top battery compartment.
• Disconnect the battery cable.

3. Open the Housing

• Flip the unit over and remove the 4 screws from the bottom.
• Carefully separate the top and bottom plates.
• ⚠️ Be careful not to lose the thin O-ring between them.

4. Access the PCB Assembly

• Remove 4 screws securing the PCB stack inside the housing.
• 📸 Take a photo before disassembly — the 3 PCBs have specific orientations.

5. Replace the Motor

• Locate the motor held in place with a bracket.
• Disconnect the motor from the board.
• Desolder the old motor wires and solder the new motor in place.

6. Reassemble

• Follow the steps in reverse:
  • Secure PCBs with the correct orientation.
  • Replace the O-ring.
  • Close the housing and reconnect the battery.
  • Reapply the adhesive panels (or use fresh adhesive if needed). I just re-heated the adhesive to make it sticky and applied it back.

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✅ You're done! Let it rip.