How to replace the carbon brushes in your washing machine

Escrito Por: Ula Gantar
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How to replace the carbon brushes in your washing machine

Dificuldade

Difficult

Passos

13

Tempo necessário

35 minutes

Introdução

If your washer refuses to spin, throws error lights, or sparks under the tub, the carbon brushes in its universal motor are probably worn out. Replacing them is cheaper than a new motor and restores full power. This guide shows you how to remove the motor, install new brushes, clean the commutator and lubricate the bearing so the machine runs smoothly again.

    • Pull the machine’s power cord out of the outlet before starting any work.

    • Lean the washer safely against a wall to expose its underside.

    • Undo the screws securing the lower cover and lift the panel away.

    • Cut the cable tie that anchors the motor wiring loom and keep a spare for reassembly.

    • Use a 13 mm wrench to remove the two motor mounting bolts and their lock washers.

    • Support the motor as the bolts come out so the belt tension can relax safely.

    • Photograph the positions of the red and black supply wires for reference.

    • Unplug the main connector and pull off the earth lead from the motor housing.

    • Slide the motor backward out of its cradle and lift it clear while wearing gloves.

    • Loosen the Torx screw securing the first brush holder to the motor frame.

    • Note the angled face of the old brush and mark the holder so the new one sits the same way.

    • Reversing a brush can overheat and destroy the motor, so keep the original orientation.

    • Press the two metal tabs on the brush holder inward and pull the old brush assembly out.

    • A brush shorter than about one centimetre is considered worn out and must be replaced.

    • Repeat the removal procedure on the opposite side of the motor.

    • Slide the new brush into the holder in the recorded orientation until it clicks into place.

    • Tighten the Torx screw to secure the holder firmly.

    • Reattach the supply wire to the brush terminal and bend it slightly to lock it.

    • Install the second brush in the same way and check both move freely in their guides.

    • Use only brushes of the specified hardness; cheap alternatives can burn the motor quickly.

    • Wet a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol and press it against the commutator.

    • Rotate the rotor by hand to wipe away carbon residue from the copper surface.

    • Do not use sandpaper or other abrasives on the commutator surface.

    • Run a sewing needle or toothpick along each groove between the commutator segments.

    • Keep the tip inside the slot and never scratch the outer copper surface.

    • This deep cleaning is usually needed after the second or third brush change.

    • Point the shaft upward and spray a small amount of white grease onto the bearing.

    • Apply very light pressure so the grease penetrates the balls without flooding the area.

    • Wipe any grease that lands on the commutator with alcohol immediately.

    • Spin the rotor to distribute the grease and remove any excess with a cloth.

    • Never use ordinary oil; it can migrate onto the brushes and cause failures.

    • Turn the rotor by hand and confirm the new brushes make even contact and the motor spins freely.

    • Expect a slightly louder sound during the first washes until the brushes bed in fully.

    • Slide the motor back into its cradle and align the locating pins.

    • Install the lock washers and tighten the mounting bolts with the 13 mm wrench.

    • Loop the drive belt over the pulley from the rear of the machine.

    • Reconnect the earth lead and main connector exactly as photographed.

    • Secure the wiring loom with a new cable tie.

    • Reinstall the lower panel and return the washer to its normal position.

    • Plug the appliance back in and run a short cycle to confirm the motor accelerates and spins correctly.

Conclusão

New brushes, a clean commutator and a lubricated bearing give the motor a fresh lease of life. The washer may sound slightly harsher for the first few cycles, then settle down once the brushes bed in.

Autor(a)

Ula Gantar

Membro desde: 08/01/25

16609 Reputação

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