Replacing the motor brushes on an Electrolux washing machine
Electric brushes are an essential component of a washing machine's commutator motor. They look like a graphite tip with a spring. Their purpose is to supply electrical energy to the rotor. With constant use, the motor brushes in an Electrolux washing machine eventually need to be replaced. Let's look at the signs of malfunction and severe wear of these components, and discover how to replace them.
How do faulty brushes manifest themselves?
In most cases, the need for replacement arises 7-10 years after purchasing the appliance. However, if the washing machine is used intensively and runs a wash daily, the graphite base can wear down in 5 years or much sooner. The appliance will automatically alert an attentive owner when the brushes are worn down. This can be detected by a number of characteristic signs:
the machine froze, and there were no power outages, the wires were not pinched, and there was no mechanical damage to the cable;
When the drum rotates during the washing process, you can hear grinding or other extraneous sounds;
the engine speed decreases, so the washing machine does not spin the laundry well;
when household appliances are operating, a burning smell appears;
An error appears on the screen indicating a problem with the engine.
These symptoms may appear in combination, several at once, or individually. To confirm that the problem lies with the brushes, you'll need to look inside the unit. Replacing the part is easy; almost anyone can do it at home.
Important! If only one electric brush is damaged, both will need to be replaced.
What is needed for repairs?
First, you need to purchase the exact same brushes that came with your Electrolux machine. Then, gather the necessary tools so even a novice user can handle the job. For repairs, you'll need:
several screwdrivers with tips of different shapes;
pencil or felt-tip pen;
8 mm TORX key.
Next, unplug the machine and turn off the shut-off valve. Then remove the inlet hose. You have to be careful because water will leak out. The user needs to remove the debris filter and clean the hole it was in from any dirt.
All the preparatory work is complete. Now all you need to do is move the washing machine away from the wall and gain access to the back. Finally, you can begin replacing the brushes.
Progress of work
Since the brushes are located in the brushed motor, it's essential to access it first. Remove the top cover of the machine and detach the rear panel. The motor can be seen just under the tank. Next steps:
carefully remove the drive belt;
capture the wiring diagram on a photo;
disconnect the contacts and wires that are connected to the engine;
unscrew the bolts that secure the motor;
remove the electric motor from the housing.
Next, replace the electric brushes. These parts are located on the sides of the motor. To remove them, you need to:
unfasten the wire;
move contact down;
remove the brushes by stretching the spring.
The new part is inserted in place of the worn one, with the tip in the socket. The spring is then compressed and installed. The electric brush is covered with a contact, and the wire is connected. The second electric brush is replaced in the same manner.
After all the above steps, the electric motor is bolted into place. The key is to connect the wiring correctly, which is why taking preliminary photos is recommended. Then, the drive belt is tightened, and the rear panel and top cover of the machine are installed.
The appliance can be moved back up against the wall and connected to the power supply. After replacing the brushes, some noise may be heard for a short time during washing. The components will gradually "break in," and the extraneous noise will disappear.
Electric brushes are an essential component of a washing machine's commutator motor. They look like a graphite tip with a spring. Their purpose is to supply electrical energy to the rotor. With constant use, the motor brushes in an Electrolux washing machine eventually need to be replaced. Let's look at the signs of malfunction and severe wear of these components, and discover how to replace them.
Next, replace the electric brushes. These parts are located on the sides of the motor. To remove them, you need to:
Very useful, thank you!