Those who use washing machines rarely think about the internal structure of the appliance. For many, it is important that the unit works properly. However, in some cases, it becomes necessary to study not only the principle of operation of such household appliances, but also its structure. Most often, such a need arises when the washing machine malfunctions. The engine is the heart of the machine, which can break at any moment. Often, to eliminate breakdowns, replacement of the washing machine motor brushes is required. What are these and how can I change them?
What is it and what is it for
Brushes for electric motors of washing machines are among the most important elements of the system. They are necessary for the normal operation of the device. More specifically, the brushes of the electric motor provide contact. Outwardly, such parts are similar to devices made of metal and consisting of several parts: a contact element, a spring of the required length and a tip, which is usually made in the form of a cylinder or a cube.
Such brushes are very important in the operation of a washing machine intended for washing clothes. They allow transferring an electric charge from an external circuit to the rotor winding of the washing machine motor. This allows the washing machine to start its program.
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Main varieties
In almost every model of appliances for washing clothes, certain electric brushes are installed. There are several varieties of them. The main difference between these elements lies in the material from which they are made. Washing machine motor brushes are usually:
- Electrographed.
- Carbon-graphite.
- Copper-graphite.
Copper is usually used to make the contacts, and steel is used to make the spring.
How long can electric brushes last?
For the manufacture of brushes for the engine of washing machines, only durable and reliable material is chosen. The finished product must have a high wear resistance. At the same time, carbon electric brushes are consumables. These parts are frequently changed. Why is this happening?
According to manufacturers, carbon electric brushes can last about five years without replacement. If the washing machine is used on rare occasions, then this period is almost doubled. Parts serve well for several years. After that, they burn out. For further operation of the washing machine, their replacement is required. It should be noted that the electric brushes protect the rest of the washing machine from burnout.
When replacement is required
If the carbon electric brushes are out of order, then the following malfunctions are noted in the operation of the unit that is washing the linen:
- An abrupt stop of the device engine, which is not caused by a sudden power outage or voltage surges.
- Extraneous, unusual sounds during spinning and washing.It can be tapping and cracking.
- Decrease in the engine power indicator of the unit. This is indicated by a decrease in the number of revolutions. Underwear with such a failure is poorly wrung out.
- There is a smell of smoke and burning when the washing machine is running.
- In more modern models, it may show an error on the display.
- Violations and malfunctions of the device.
How to choose electric brushes
Before replacing the carbon electric brushes, it is worth choosing them correctly. Experts recommend installing only original parts. In other words, when choosing an element, you should take into account the model of the washing machine and the manufacturer. Of course, there are also universal modifications that can be installed on any device. However, as practice shows, such brushes for a washing machine very quickly deteriorate and cause disturbances in the operation of the equipment.
If only one brush fails, both must be replaced. Otherwise, the loads on the rotor will be unevenly distributed. This can ultimately lead to engine damage. Before buying carbon electric brushes, it is worth figuring out which type was installed in the washing machine. In this case, there may be several options:
- Dismountable parts in three pieces.
- One-piece brushes with plastic housing.
- Simple ones, which are a graphite rod equipped with a copper tip.
Replacement and disassembly of the unit
If you contacted a service center to identify the causes of malfunctions in the washing machine, then the carbon electric brushes will be replaced here. If this is not possible, then the unit can be repaired at home. First you need to disassemble the washing machine. This requires:
- Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply, disconnect the water intake and drain hoses.
- The next step is to unscrew the fasteners that securely hold the back cover of the device. After removing the hardware, the panel should be removed.
- The drive belt must be removed from the pulley.
- It is worth removing the rotor. To do this, unscrew the bolts that secure the part to the drum.
- You should carefully take a picture so that you can see how and where a certain element is attached.
- Now you can disconnect the contacts and remove the carbon brushes from the sockets.
- The copper plates should be cleaned a little. You can use sandpaper for this. You should work with such details carefully.
- The copper tips on new brushes should be cleaned. You can collect copper dust with a vacuum cleaner.
- New parts must be installed in the slots.
How to assemble the unit
After replacing the carbon electric brushes, it is necessary to assemble the device. This should be done in accordance with the photographs, which reflect the location of all important elements of the system. First, it is worth installing the engine of the unit. Now it's worth checking the work of the replaced parts. To do this, the unit must be connected to the mains and run the "Spin" function. If, for the first time, the minutes of operation of the brushes begin to wear out, then you should not be afraid. If the new parts are in good working order, then the washing machine should be disconnected from the power supply, the drive belt should be installed on the pulley and the back panel of the appliance should be fixed with hardware.
Contacting specialists
If you are not confident in your own abilities, and replacing the electric brushes seems to be a very difficult process for you, then you should seek help from specialists. Professionals will quickly and easily fix all breakdowns and replace damaged parts. The choice and purchase of electric brushes should also be entrusted to specialists. They will be able to select items that will match the model of the washing machine.
As for the cost of such services, it depends on the region in which you live. The average price is from 1000 to 1500 rubles. The cost of the parts themselves depends on the material from which they are made, as well as on the manufacturing company. If you have a washing machine of one of the popular brands, then the price of electric brushes will be 350 - 2100 rubles.
In conclusion
Electric brushes are one of the most important elements of a washing machine. These parts ensure the normal operation of the unit for a long time. Most often, electric brushes fail due to improper operation of the equipment. Their malfunction entails the complete impossibility of using the washing machine. The elements themselves are reliable and resistant to wear and tear. Typically, electric brushes can last from 7 to 12 years.
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After this article, the car will most likely have to be carried to the specialists ... or thrown out. Not a word about grinding the anchor and lapping the brushes, not a word about limiting the spin speed ...