How to replace brushes on an Indesit washing machine?

A washing machine's brushed motor consists of a stator, rotor, tachometer, metal housing, and at least two brushes. These brushes are necessary for supplying electrical energy to the rotor and consist of a graphite tip and an extended spring. Over time, these parts wear down against the brushes, and to restore the washing machine's functionality, they must be replaced. We'll discuss how to replace the brushes on an Indesit washing machine, the symptoms that indicate they're wearing out, and the tools you'll need.

How does the malfunction manifest itself?

Experts say that if the washing machine is used properly, the brushes will only need replacing after about five years. If the machine isn't used daily, they can last up to 10 years. Your Indesit machine will automatically tell you when it's time to replace the brushes. The main symptoms that indicate a repair is needed are:

• the washing machine “freezes” in the middle of the cycle even though the electricity is supplied properly;
• noise and crackling when the drum rotates;
• poor, insufficient spin due to reduced engine speed;
• burning smell when equipment is operating;
• Error code F02 displayed on the washing machine's screen indicates a motor malfunction.

One or a combination of several symptoms may indicate the need to replace the motor brushes. To confirm that the problem is definitely with them, you'll need to partially disassemble the washing machine. If, upon inspection of the washing machine, it turns out that only one brush is damaged, both elements still need to be replaced. There's nothing complicated about the upcoming job, so you can handle it yourself. We'll figure out how to properly replace the electric motor brushes and what you'll need to repair your "home helper."

We buy new brushes

Preparation for work will include purchasing new brushes. You can remove worn parts and take them to the store. It's important to determine what type of brushes are installed in your commutator motor. These may be electric brushes with a housing, standard brushes with a spring and graphite rod, etc.

Replacement brushes must be purchased specifically for your make and model of automatic washing machine.

When you visit the store, you don't need to bring your old brushes with you. Simply tell the salesperson your washing machine model.

In anticipation of repair work

The next step is preparing the necessary tools for the repair. In fact, changing the brushes on an Indesit machine is quite easy; even an inexperienced user can handle the task in about an hour. So, a home repairman should have the following on hand:

• two screwdrivers: slotted and Phillips;
• 8 mm Torx key;
• pencil or marker.

You should also prepare the washing machine itself. It is necessary:

• de-energize the equipment;
• close the shut-off valve;
• disconnect the inlet hose, drain the remaining water from its cavity into a pre-prepared container;
• Unscrew the debris filter (it is located at the front of the washing machine, in the right corner behind a special panel), drain the water and clean the element from dirt and debris.

Then, all that's left to do is remove the washing machine from the wall to gain easy access to the rear of the housing. This completes the preparatory phase, and you can begin replacing the brushes.

Replacement instructions

As you already know, the electric brushes are located in the washing machine's motor. To access the motor, you need to remove the back panel of the washing machine. Here's how:

• unscrew the two bolts securing the top cover and remove it;
• Unscrew the bolts holding the back wall and move the panel aside.

The electric motor is located directly under the washing machine's drum. To remove the drive belt, begin pulling it toward you while gently rotating the pulley. Be sure to take a picture or mark the motor wire connections with a marker before disconnecting them. Afterwards you can remove the wiring.

Using an 8mm wrench, remove the motor mounting bolts. Grasp the motor and begin rocking it. This will help remove the motor from the washing machine housing. Keep in mind that the motor is quite heavy, so use caution when lifting.

Now you can inspect the brushes. They are located on the sides of the motor. Most Indesit washing machines use CAR014UN brushes, while similar models include N52A, CAR024UN, and UN135.

To remove the electric brushes, you need to:

• disconnect the cable;
• move the contact down;
• pull out the brush, carefully stretching the spring.

The subsequent installation of parts occurs as follows:

• the tip is inserted into the socket;
• the spring is compressed and also installed into the socket;
• the brush is closed by a contact;
• the wire is connected.

Next, you need to put the motor back in place. The algorithm is reversed:

• secure the engine with locking lugs;
• connect the wiring (referring to the photograph or markings);
• Pull the drive belt back into place. First, place it on the engine pulley, then on the wheel;
• install the rear wall of the case in place and secure it with screws;
• Attach the top cover back, securing it with bolts.

At first, until the electric brushes “break in”, the engine may make noise during operation.

After a few wash cycles, your Indesit washing machine returns to normal operation. As you can see, replacing the brushes is possible without the need for a professional.

   

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