Carbon brushes play an important role in keeping your washing machine drum moving. Over time carbon brushes can become worn down which can stop the washing machine from turning, this is due to them being in continuous contact with the moving parts of the motor.
To check you are on the right path, here are the warning signs that your carbon brushes may be worn down or damaged:
· The motor turns occasionally or intermittently
· If there are sparks coming from the motor
· If the motor does not turn at all
Our guide will take you through the steps to successfully replacing the carbon brushes on your machine.
This video shows an example of how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.
What You Will Need:
Step 1 - Unplug Your Appliance
Safety First! Please make sure that you have switched your appliance off at the mains before starting your repair.
Step 2- Gain Access to the Motor
The motor is located at the back of the washing machine, disconnect any hoses and remove the back panel from the machine. Once you have removed the rear panel you will be able to see the motor located underneath the drum. On some models, you might not need to remove the motor in order to be able to remove the carbon brushes - but in the video attached, we will show the removal of the motor.
Step 3 - Releasing the Motor
First, you need to remove the drive belt from the drum pulley, followed by removing the wiring block and earth tag connected to the motor. Using a socket spanner, you need to locate the mounting bolts holding the motor on and remove them. This will allow you to pull the motor away but be aware you might need to give it a little force (please take care of any sharp edges when removing the motor to avoid injury) and take the motor out from the washing machine.
Step 4- How to Remove the Old Carbon Brushes
The carbon brushes are usually held in by screws on either side of the brushes and go into the commutator at an angle, so the carbon brushes themselves have an angled end. An easy way to make sure that you are putting them in the right way round is by taking a note of which way the old brushes are positioned. To do this simply place the motor on its side, and start by removing the connection to the carbon brush and then you can remove the screws holding the carbon brush onto the motor.
Step 5 - Fitting Your New Carbon Brushes
When you look at the new carbon brushes there may be a clip or spring that is holding the brushes in the holder, this has to be released so the carbon pops out before fitting into the motor. When fitting the carbon brush it is essential it is fitted the same way it came off due to the angle of the brush, a good eSpares tip is to push the brush onto the commutator and underneath the brushes will usually be locating pegs that allow the brushes to connect to the correct position on the motor. You can then screw the brushes back in and reconnect the electrical connection and there you have it - all done!
*It is recommended that when replacing one of the carbon brushes, that you actually replace the other one too.
Step 6 - Refitting Your Appliance Back Together Again
All there is left to do is to put the motor back in your machine, and then put everything back together again and test the machine.
Congratulations - you have now successfully been able to replace your washing machine carbon brushes! You can now get back to being able to wash your clothes again in no time.
Fancy Giving Your Washing Machine Some Loving Care & Attention?
Your washing machine no doubt works hard for you in getting your clothes nice and clean. If you want to show it some TLC, then it is a great idea to protect it from the build-up of limescale & detergent that can happen over time inside your machine. Introducing the eSpares Limescale & Detergent Remover - where by using this you can help protect from this, as well as removing bad odours and bacteria build-up.
*Not suitable for top loading appliances
Need To Locate The Correct Carbon Brushes For Your Washing Machine?
Fixing your washing machine carbon brushes yourself can save you a lot of money compared to booking a repair or buying a new washing machine. Here at eSpares, we have a wide-range of replacement washing machine carbon brushes for you to select from - so you can soon be on your way to repairing it yourself.
If you need any other help for your appliances you can find more videos from Mat and the team at eSpares, who are always on hand with appliance repair advice in your time of need.
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