Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Introduction

This guide will show you how to remove and replace the DJI Phantom 3 Standard propeller motors. The Phantom 3 Standard uses four brushless motors to spin the propellers and generate lift for flight. Each motor is mounted on the drone’s arms.

You may need to replace a motor if the drone cannot take off, if one propeller spins unevenly, or if you hear grinding or clicking noises during flight. For more details on these issues, see the DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Spins Unevenly troubleshooting page.

The motors are secured with screws and wiring connections. During removal, be careful not to strip the screws or damage the motor wires. Always disconnect and remove the battery before beginning this guide to prevent electrical hazards. Handle the motors gently, as forcing them out of the housing can damage the drone’s arms or ESC connections.

Replacing the motors restores proper propeller function and ensures stable flight performance.

What you need

Step 1 Battery

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Motors Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 3

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Motors Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 2 of 3

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Motors Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 3 of 3

Pinch the battery's clamps on the top and bottom.
Pull out the battery.

Edit

Step 2 Cover

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Motors Replacement, Cover: step 2, image 1 of 2

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Motors Replacement, Cover: step 2, image 2 of 2

Flip the drone upside down.
Remove the four 7mm screws from the drone's arms using a TR6 Torx screwdriver.

Edit

Step 3

Remove the eight 5mm screws from the arms using a T8 Torx screwdriver.

Edit

Step 4

Remove the four 10 mm screws near the corners of the landing gear using a T8 Torx screwdriver.
This may require a small or bendable screwdriver.

Edit

Step 5

Carefully peel off all of the red stickers until the seam for the cover is no longer covered.

Edit

Step 6

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Motors Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Remove the plastic shell by going around the entire seam with the plastic opening tool.
Hearing the plastic click loudly is a good sign, but you shouldn't hear any cracks or breaks.
Don't go too fast, or you may risk cracking the cover.

Edit

Step 7

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Motors Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

Don’t fully pull off the cover yet as there is a ribbon cable that needs to be freed.
Disconnect the ribbon cable.
Remove the cover.

Edit

Step 8 Propeller Motors

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Motors Replacement, Propeller Motors: step 8, image 1 of 2

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Propeller Motors Replacement, Propeller Motors: step 8, image 2 of 2

Flip the drone back over so that the landing gear is facing up.
Remove the four screws connecting each motor to the casing with a 2 mm Hex screwdriver.

Edit

Step 9

Remove the glue around the three wires that connect the motor to the flight controller with a metal spudger.
Repeat this step for each arm you plan to remove a motor from.