In the method for carrying out work, according to the invention, in order to maintain a metal turbine engine motor, such as a drum, in an operational state: an upstream and/or downstream face (343) of a circumferential groove (34) of the rotor is ground, with said face having recessed marks that the grinding is intended to remove or at least blur, and foils (43) are placed in the groove between the blades of the rotor (24) and the rotor, at least in the area where the face has been ground.