Alan & Shawn - my elevation rotor went bad as well a few months ago. However it wasn't the capacitor; I sent Shawn off list the email of the person who repaired the motor for me.
Now as far as the cap, if the 5500 is similar to my 5400, the cap is easily removed without having to crack open the housing. There's an aluminum plate on the side with 4 small screws. Remove those screws and the plate, and you will see the cap inside. If you are careful, and take your time, you can remove it and replace it.
73 de W4AS Sebastian
On May 3, 2009, at 7:42 AM, Alan P. Biddle wrote:
If everything checks, then it is _probably_ the 100 uF phase shift capacitor you can see between the windings in the schematic. You can get a replacement from Yaesu for $10-15 including shipping. Replacing it is not hard, but it is very tedious and messy. Unlike other versions, the G-5500 has the capacitor in the motor housing rather than the control box.
I had exactly the same symptoms you describe, and it was the capacitor in my case.
Good luck,
Alan WA4SCA