Ideal Zeroids Robots: Restoration: Bring Back Your Dead by Flash Dixon

Published by Flash Dixon 2022.02.020

One of the members recently asked how to bring back to life some Zeroids he had acquired, so I thought I’d just post it for all to see. Everyone has their own way to do this, but this is what works for me. Out of 11 robots I’ve repaired, I’ve only had one truly bad motor, and only one chassis that was too far gone to clean without having to solder in new contacts.

I use an ultra lite oil to lubricate, never ever WD-40. My tool for removing old corrosion is a medium grade sanding stick. And any electronics cleaner should work to hose out any grime in the motor. That stuff is completely harmless and I’ve even used it while the motor was running on one that was a mess.
Most areas that need the dirt and corrosion removed are fairly obvious, but there are two rivet points that are actually conductors, as well as the switch tension spring. All of those need attention. Lubrication points are fairly obvious as well.

The gear assembly is sometimes locked up or difficult to move. Hose it down with your parts cleaner and then oil the living Hell out of gear teeth and axle points. Work it back and forth carefully until it spins freely without much effort.

Hopefully you can now carefully put everything back together, throw in some new batteries, and get that guy racing across the floor again!

You can get these at almost any hobby store.

This is a little more difficult to find, but readily available several places online.
Completely safe for your motors and other electronics.

There are two conductive points that are easy to miss.

And the other side.

Obviously all four battery contact points on the chassis and upper body.

This is the conductive point for the switch plate.

This is the notorious switch tension spring. It needs well cleaned on both
sides. And be very careful when you disassemble as it is under tension and
will fly off onto the floor. I speak from frustrating experience.