How to replace LG washing machine motor brushes

How to replace LG washing machine motor brushes Due to the fact that modern LG washing machines are produced with inverter brushless motors, there simply cannot be problems with brushes in such a machine. However, replacing brushes on an LG washing machine may be relevant if you are still using old-style equipment that has a commutator motor. During the entire period of operation of such a system, you may never encounter such a problem, because the brushes usually work there for 12-15 years. If you are unlucky and the brushes are out of order, then our article today, dedicated to replacing this element, will help.

Removing the motor

It is so important to replace the motor brushes because if this is not done, then due to worn carbon tips, the “home assistant” electric motor can break down in just a few operating cycles. However, replacing a motor is an extremely expensive repair, especially compared to the cost of installing two brushes. Therefore, let's start dismantling the damaged elements, for which we will first have to remove the engine from the washing machine.

Disconnect household appliances from the power supply and water supply.
Unplug the back wall of the washing machine using a regular screwdriver.
The machine's motor is located below, directly under the tank.
Remove the drive belt by simultaneously turning the pulley and pulling it towards you.
Release the engine from the belt.
Disconnect all wires going to the motor.

Just in case, take a few photos of the wiring - you will need them during assembly of the device.

Remove the retaining bolts, of which there may be up to four, and then carefully remove the extremely heavy engine.
Not only does the motor weigh a lot, so you need to be prepared to remove it, but it is also relatively difficult to pull out - to do this, you have to pull it towards you, swinging it in different directions.

This completes the first stage of work. You need to inspect the part for damage, plus wipe it from dust and other contaminants. After a little cleaning, place the motor on a flat, bright place to make it easy to replace the motor brushes.

Description of the work progress

At this stage, you need to go to the hardware store to buy brushes, if you have not purchased them previously. You can dismantle and use the old parts as an example so as not to buy the wrong element, or simply tell the sales consultant the model of your home device so that he can select the brushes. When everything is ready, get to work.

Turn the engine on its side and remove all retaining screws.
Locate the brushes located on both sides of the element body.
Remove them one by one by using a screwdriver to press the lever of the part.

At this stage, it is also worth taking a photo for further correct assembly - you need to record which direction the coal is beveled so that the machine does not start sparking due to incorrect placement of the part.

Inspect the brush, the carbon part of which should not be less than 1.5 centimeters. If it is less, then the brushes need to be changed, and if it is more, then the shaking and noise the washing machine makes is due to something else.
Be sure to sand the surface of the motor with 0-grit sandpaper and a rag to remove any scuffs, dirt, or scratches.
Place the new brushes in place.

In a situation where you don’t have completely new brushes in a special housing, you can only replace the carbon part. In this case, the instructions will be as follows:

disassemble the plastic case;
unsolder the worn plate using a soldering iron, remove it, and also straighten the spring;
measure the length of the new brush and make sure that it fits the plastic body perfectly;
tin, clean the contacts, straighten the wire and insert the coal, taking the bronze guide as a guide;
Next you need to solder the wires and snap the structure into place;
if the brush has play in the guide, then carefully tighten it with pliers so that it does not whistle during washing;
install the motor back using our instructions from the first section in reverse order. Pay close attention to all the fixing screws so that none of the components in the machine are loose.

When the LG washing machine is reassembled, all that remains is to carry out a small test. To do this, turn on a quick wash with a spin and listen carefully to the operation - if the electric motor runs loudly, but without an obvious crackling noise, which resembles sand friction, then the repair was successful.

What do the experts recommend?

If you want to replace the engine brushes and forget about them for decades, then you should follow a number of recommendations from service center specialists. If you strictly follow these rules, then even a person without experience can handle such repairs at home.

Select your brushes accurately. It is best to dismantle the damaged parts and take them with you to the store to buy exactly the same ones. Today, various analogues from third-party companies are common on the market, but it is recommended to purchase only original and new parts.
Brushes should always be replaced in pairs to ensure a perfect match. This is true even for a situation where only one brush has failed.
Check the electric motor at least once six months - it should not be dirty, and the carbon tip of the brushes should be longer than 1.5 centimeters.
After replacing the brushes, take care of them and do not load the drum to the maximum - for the first ten or so working cycles, try to wash only half of the maximum possible volume.
Carefully monitor your “home assistant”, paying attention to sudden stops in washing, poor quality of spinning of clothes, the formation of unpleasant crackling sounds, whistling, sparks and a burning smell during operation.

Removing old brushes and installing new ones is an easy process if you follow our instructions. Be patient, carefully follow each step, and also do not forget about safety precautions, and then you will definitely succeed.