Where are the brushes located in a washing machine?

Washing machine brushes are an integral part of the engine's operation. Current flows through them, and their interaction with the stator sets the motor in motion. Constant friction inevitably leads to wear, so electric brushes need to be replaced periodically. Where are the brushes in a washing machine and how to change them?

Preparatory actions

Replacing the brushes is impossible without partially dismantling the washing machine, as they are located inside the electric motor housing. Experienced craftsmen sometimes change the brushes without removing the motor, but an ordinary owner is unlikely to be able to do this, it is inconvenient, so it is better to remove the motor. But replacing the brushes themselves is very easy and can be done by anyone. What is required for this?

• Two screwdrivers: thin and Phillips.
• Pencil, felt-tip pen or marker.
• 8mm TORX key (commonly known as a star key).

Now you need to prepare the washing machine for subsequent dismantling. To do this, do the following:

• Disconnect the machine from the power supply,
• Turn off the water supply to the washing machine,
• Remove the inlet hose, having first placed a container under the tube (when disconnected, water remaining from previous washes will flow out of the tube),
• On the front panel of the washing machine, at the bottom, there is a small square hatch, behind which is a garbage filter. Remove it,
• Thoroughly clean the resulting groove from any accumulated debris and dirt.

The motor itself is located at the rear of the unit, so now you need to move your home assistant away from the wall, providing yourself with access to the rear panel, and you can start looking for the motor and replacing the brushes.

We replace worn out parts

First, you need to dismantle the elements of the washing machine body. Which walls need to be removed depends on the brand of the unit (sometimes it is enough to remove only the back panel, and sometimes it is easiest to get to the engine through the bottom). Then remove the drive belt by carefully pulling the rubber band and turning the drum pulley.

The motor wires and contacts need to be disconnected but first take a photo or schematically record their location on paper so that you can reconnect them correctly later. Using a star key, remove the fasteners holding the motor, grab it firmly and start rocking it to remove it from the housing.

Now that the motor is removed, you can begin replacing the brushes:

• Disconnect the brush wires,
• Move the contacts down,
• Stretch the springs one by one and remove each brush,
• Take a new part,
• Place the tip into the groove,
• Compress the springs and install them there,
• Secure the electric brush with the contact by moving it upwards,
• Connect the cable.

There are only two brushes, and the second one is replaced in exactly the same way. After repair, put the motor back in place and assemble the washing machine, performing the same actions in reverse order. When tightening the drive belt, put the rubber band first on the motor shaft, and then on the "wheel" of the drum.

Reinstallation of the brushes may be accompanied at first by unusual noises when the washing machine is running or an unpleasant burning smell, this is normal and is due to the fact that the graphite rods of the brushes are rubbed against the motor stator. The problem is solved on its own after several working cycles. If you are worried about the quality of the wash or suspect that you could have done something wrong, run an empty wash to check.