Water damaged brushless?
 

OK so it's gone through a few puddles, and now I'm not getting the "confirmation" beep when the ESC initialises with the motor, servo etc. The steering servo is working fine but I'm not getting any beeps from the ESC after I turn it on like I am supposed to - I've put a multi on the end of the + and - of the motor output and I am getting changing signals depending on throttle position. So that tells me that at least the ESC is working.

This has happened before but the issue fixed itself after a couple of days. It's been over two weeks now and it's still not working.

Also - I connected the battery straight up to the motor - which was a bad idea as I realised afterwards that a brushless motor does not work like that. A couple of small sparked ensued, but I am hoping it's still OK.

Does this sound symptomatic of water in the motor?
How do I rebuild it - Disassemble all parts, use WD40 and/or clean off with iso alcohol, reassemble etc?
How does a brushless motor typically come apart - Grub screw?

Cheers.

to break down ta brushless motor, first there should be four screws in one of the ends, after removal it should come apart. some electrical parts cleaner should take care of any debris inside,then lube the bearings and thats pretty much it for maintenance. as for the arming issue, id be willing to bet its the esc. water shouldnt have affected the motor.

+1 on previous post, hopefully the sensor board didn't short out in water.

make sure your throttle trim hasn't moved.
if its not in the original neutral position the speed control may not arm.
maybe try resetting the speed control

And once you get it figured out/buy new one, I'd also recommend not driving through any more puddles. ;)

+1 on replacing the esc, when shopping check out Viper RC. They have waterproof brushless esc, and I've heard good things about them. I'm waiting for them to release there 1/8th scale version for my ERBE.