What functions are the brushes for the washing machine

The usual owner of household appliances does not think much about what elements and details the technique consists of, what problems and malfunctions can arise from improper operation, and what problems occur without the presence of a person. Therefore, after hearing the term brushes for a washing machine, many will think about the subject intended for cleaning and cleaning the unit. But this element is the most important for the life and functioning of the machine. In the article we will familiarize you with the function of brushes, how to find out that the brushes for electric motors of washing machines have worn out, and how to replace them.

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What are brushes used for and what function do they perform?

Washing machine is a rather complicated device. The heart of the unit is an electric motor, and the brush is a small detail, which causes the motor to rotate.

The brush consists of:

• Tip, in the form of a parallelepiped or cylinder.
• Soft long spring.
• Contact.

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When should they be changed?

The work of the brushes for the washing machine has a guaranteed service life of 5 years, and with careful operation of the device, it can exceed ten years. Since the brushes are closely adjacent to the axis of the rotor, which rotates, then over time, these parts are abraded.

The reasons for the rapid wear of the elements vary, in particular:

• Exceeding the allowable volume of the laundry.
• Frequent voltage drops.
• Constant setting of the maximum spin level.

This improper operation leads to the erasing of the brushes for several years, and replacement is simply necessary, since the motor will not work.

To determine if this wear-resistant part needs to be replaced, note the following symptoms:

• Sudden power drop or complete stop.
• Unusual noise during drum rotation.
• Incorrect operation of some modes.
• The smell of burning coming from the machine.
• The machine does not gain momentum when squeezed, leaving the laundry wet.
• The error code is displayed on the device's display.

Important! In order to determine if brush replacement is necessary in the washing machine, first check for foreign objects in the drum. They can create an unusual noise. Check the condition of the drive belt, and also test the voltage in the network. Uncertain noise can also create worn bearings. If after verification all the above-listed details were in perfect order and there were no foreign objects in the drum, then proceed to the replacement of brushes.

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How to choose a brush on the washing machine?

It's easy to get a brush on a washing machine, but you need to know some nuances.

There are three types of brushes:

• Copper graphite.
• Coal-graphite.
• Electrographied.

All types of clamping elements differ. The spring in all types of brushes is usually steel, and the contact - copper.

Important! In washing machines, carbon brushes are most often used, because they are the cheapest, but at the same time, reliable. Such elements can not damage the axis of the rotor.

When choosing brushes, you should be guided by the following criteria:

• Household appliance company. Different brands use different in their characteristics engines.
• Motor model.
• What kind of graphite part is used in a particular unit.

Important! Remember that there are 2 brushes in the machine and they must be the same. Installing elements with different spring stiffness or using parts made from different materials threatens to quickly break the engine. Be sure to buy a brush for the washing machine specifically for your engine model and when purchasing, check the items for defects.

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Replacement of brushes in the washing machine

The replacement process is quite simple, however, you should not risk the household appliance. Improper self-repair can lead to more troubles, which an inexperienced repairman can not cope with. Therefore, if you have doubts about your competence, then entrust the work to professional specialists.

Important! If you decide to fix the failure yourself, then go to the replacement of brushes on the washing machine very responsibly, because the incorrect work will not allow the unit to perform its functions qualitatively and can lead to engine breakdown, and such a replacement will cost much more.

Tools

First, prepare the necessary tools:

• Phillips screwdrivers.
• Flat blade screwdriver.
• Spanners and spanners of basic dimensions.
• Insulation material.

Such a classic set of tools is available in every home, where the owners are used to rely only on their own strength.

Disassembling

Before starting to replace the brushes on the washing machine, the unit must be disconnected and disassembled in order to reach the damaged element.

Basic disassembly steps:

1. Disconnect the device from the mains.
2. Unplug the appliance from the water supply and sewerage system if it is impossible to get close to the rear wall.
3. Remove the back cover by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver.
4. Remove the drive belt. For this: with one hand, pull the belt toward you, and the second - turn the pulley. The strap will come off the pulley and remain in your hand.
5. Disconnect the motor from the power supply. Pull out the connector with the wires from the socket in the motor.
6. Use a ring wrench to remove the bolts and screws securing the engine.
7. Remove the motor itself.

Important! The engine, in which the brushes are worn, is always covered with a layer of graphite dust. Therefore, after dismantling the motor, wipe it or vacuum it.

Replacing the brushes

Replacing the brushes consists of the following steps:

1. Place the motor on its side.
2. Twist the brushes from the engine and carefully examine them. The wear and tear on the parts is quite striking. The waste element usually has a rod length of less than 1.5 cm. If the length is longer, the problem of malfunction is not in the brushes.

Important! Be sure to remember and fix how the brushes and sharpening were placed on them. It's better to photograph the location, since if you install new elements incorrectly, this can lead to sparks in the engine.

1. Check the appearance of the manifold. Inspect it for damage. Shallow scratches and scuffs with ordinary fine-textured sandpaper.
2. Install new brushes in place of old ones.
3. Fasten the elements with a fastener and a screwdriver.
4. Turn the motor by hand. If all the manipulations are performed correctly, clicks will be heard during the movement.

Assembling the washing machine

. Reverse the procedure:

1. Reinstall the motor.
2. Secure the motor with bolts( or screws, depending on the model of the device).
3. Connect the power wires to the motor.
4. Put the drive belt first on the engine and then on the pulley. Scroll the pulley until the belt is in place.
5. Close the rear panel.
6. Fasten the panel with screws.

Test mode

After completing the work, be sure to perform a test run of the unit. Start the machine in the mode with the least long cycle and with a slight spin. If the machine works as usual or a little louder, then you did everything right. If you hear screeching, crackling and strong noise, then you have to carry out all the manipulations anew.

Important! The first ten washings are carried out with a small load of laundry, so that the new brushes are finally stuck.

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Cost of the brush and the work of the master

If you decide to entrust the job of replacing the brushes to the master, then note that the cost of the service can be affected by the following factors:

• Age of the machine.
• General condition of the unit.
• Access to the washing machine.
• Cost of additional consumables.
• Purchase of original high-quality spare parts.

Important! Many service centers cooperate with manufacturers of home appliances and offer to buy quality brushes from them. In this case, be sure to check the accompanying documents for spare parts, so as not to buy a cheap analog.

Prices for brushes also vary, the cost is affected by such factors:

• Material from which the brush is made.
• Power supply and conductivity feature.
• Originality of the part.
• Workmanship.

As you can see, the procedure for replacing brushes is simple, the main thing is to determine the fault in time and follow the step-by-step instructions. If you doubt the sufficiency of skills and knowledge, then contact the service center. Prices for services and spare parts are low, and high-quality work of specialists will help prolong the service life of equipment for many years.