How to replace brushes in an Atlant washing machine

Atlant automatic washing machines are equipped with commutator motors. This type of motor is quite simple. It consists of a stator, rotor, winding, metal housing, tachometer, and a pair of brushes. The brushes are subject to natural wear and tear and need to be replaced after approximately 5-6 years of use.

You can replace the brushes on your Atlant washing machine yourself, without the help of a professional. We'll explain the symptoms that indicate problems with the brushes. We'll also explain how to remove the old ones and install the new ones.

Are the brushes really worn out?

If you follow all the operating instructions for your automatic washing machine, you won't need to replace the motor brushes until 5 years after purchasing it. If you run the washing machine every 2-3 days, the replacement time will be 9-10 years. This type of repair is considered simple and doesn't require much time or money.

How can you tell if the brushes are worn out? Your Atlant washing machine will let you know by its behavior. Let's look at the main signs that indicate worn graphite rods.

• Short-term malfunctions of the automatic washing machine during the cycle (provided that the power supply is normal).
• The appearance of an unusual noise when the drum rotates.
• Poor spinning – the washing machine will stop spinning clothes efficiently, since the motor will not be able to spin the drum to the required speed.
• A strong burning smell that appears when the automatic washing machine is running.
• The washing machine displays errors E8 or E08 on the display.

Errors E8 or E08 indicate malfunctions in the operation of the washing machine Atlant electric motor.

Even a single symptom is enough to alert you to a problem. If several signs are present, it's best to proceed with diagnosis as soon as possible. Don't immediately buy new components for your Atlant washing machine. A good start is to partially disassemble the machine and confirm that the problem is indeed the brushes.

Let's say, after disassembling the engine, you find that one graphite rod is intact and the other is worn out. This doesn't mean that you only need to replace the damaged element. Electric motor brushes must be replaced in pairs. They must be in identical condition, so two new parts are installed.

There's no need to be afraid of this type of repair. Even someone with no experience working with electrical appliances can handle it. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions and observe safety precautions.

Let's get new brushes

Purchasing repair parts is the easiest task. Simply tell the store consultant the model of your Atlant washing machine. Even better, remove the old brushes and take them with you. This will make finding replacements even easier.

We recommend purchasing original spare parts for Atlant automatic washing machines; they will last much longer than their Chinese counterparts.

When ordering wiper blades online, carefully review the selection. Select components specifically for your Atlant model, based on the serial number. If in doubt, consult with an online store manager.

Electric wiper blades are inexpensive, averaging $4–$6. You won't need to spend any more on spare parts, so the upcoming repair can be considered budget-friendly.

Preparatory stage

For the repair, you'll need a standard set of tools found in every home. Disassembling the machine will be done with standard Phillips-head and flat-head screwdrivers. An 8mm Torx key will also be helpful. You'll also need a marker or pencil. Replacing the motor brushes typically takes about an hour.

How to prepare the machine for disassembly:

• de-energize the washing machine by unplugging the power cord from the outlet;
• turn off the water supply valve at the inlet to the machine;
• Cover the floor around the washing machine with dry rags (in case water leaks from the machine);
• carefully disconnect the inlet hose and drain the water into the bathtub or a separate container;
• remove the decorative panel (located at the very bottom of the case);
• Place a small container under the machine, in the area where the drainage filter is located;
• Unscrew the plug of the waste filter half a turn and wait until the water drains;
• take out the trash can completely;
• Rinse the drain filter and clean its "nest".

Now you need to move the washing machine to the center of the room. You'll need free access to all sides of its body. This completes the preparatory stage; you can begin replacing the motor brushes.

The process of replacing damaged parts

So, the brushes are components of the washing machine's brushed motor. Therefore, the first task is to access the motor. To remove the motor, you need to remove the rear panel of the Atlant machine's housing. To do this:

• Unscrew a couple of bolts holding the top cover of the machine;
• carefully remove the housing cover and put it aside;
• unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the rear panel;
• remove the back wall of the case.

Now you need to find the motor. The brushed motor is located under the automatic washing machine's tank. What are the next steps?

• remove the drive belt from the drum pulley and motor;
• Take a photo of how the wiring is connected to the engine (this will help you avoid making mistakes during reassembly);
• disconnect all wires from the electric motor;
• Using a Torx key and an 8mm socket, remove the bolts securing the engine;
• Using rocking movements, pull the engine out of the washing machine housing.

The brushed motor is quite heavy. To avoid accidentally dropping the part, it's best to have an assistant help you. Grasp the motor and use a rocking motion to pull it out of the slots.

Once the engine is in front of you, you can inspect the brushes. They are located on the sides of the element. Typically, carbon rods are found under the article number in the collectors of Atlant washing machines UN135. These graphite brushes have dimensions of 5x13.5x36 mm.

The following article numbers are considered interchangeable:

• UN135sn;
• SD006sn;
• UN135mo;
• 04:00 AM;
• GG143;
• CAR024UN.

Now you can begin removing the brushes from the engine and installing the new components. Here's the procedure:

• disconnect the wire;
• carefully move the contact down;
• pull out the carbon rod by smoothly stretching the spring;
• unpack the new brush;
• place the tip into the socket;
• compress the spring and return it to its socket;
• cover the electric brush with the contact;
• connect the wire to the terminal.

These steps are also performed with the second brush. The elements must be replaced together, even if one of the carbon rods is intact. Now all that remains is to return the collector to the washing machine body. The procedure is reversed:

• put the electric motor back in place and secure it with bolts;
• connect the previously removed wiring to the engine (referring to the photo);
• tighten the drive belt on the drum and engine pulley;
• put the back wall of the case back in place and secure it with screws;
• Fix the top cover of the washing machine housing.

Now it's time to test the washing machine. Run a test cycle without any laundry. Watch how the motor spins the drum. Listen for any unusual noise. If all is well, the repair is complete.

A slight motor noise is normal for the first few cycles after repair. New brushes need time to "break in." After three or four washes, the noise will disappear.

Replacing the brushes on a commutator motor is easy. The job can be done at home. No special knowledge or tools are required—even a novice can handle this repair. Just make sure you purchase the right parts for your Atlant washing machine and follow the instructions carefully.

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