How to correctly replace brushes on an Indesit washing machine?
Modern Indesit washing machines are equipped with a commutator-type motor, one of the main elements of which are electric brushes.
These small parts, pressing tightly against the motor rotor, transmit an electrical impulse that stimulates the uninterrupted operation of the “heart” of the household appliance.
During operation, the graphite tip of electric brushes wears off. As a result, the contact weakens, which immediately affects the quality of operation of the washing machine.
We'll talk about replacing brushes on an Indesit washing machine in the article.
Content
How to understand that parts need to be changed?
Signals that the brushes in the engine of the Indesit washing machine require replacement are are:
- blocking the process of spinning washed clothes (the drum rotates intermittently, involuntarily stopping for a few seconds);
- stopping the operation of the electric motor (there is voltage in the network and there is no mechanical damage to the washing machine body);
- persistent smell of burning and sparks that appeared during operation of the electric motor;
- extraneous sounds (crackling, rustling) accompanying the washing process.
A layer of graphite dust can confirm the assumption that the motor brushes require replacement.It is easy to see if you lift the top panel of the washing machine.
How to disassemble the washing machine to get to the brushes?
Graphite brushes are small elements (consisting of an elongated tip, a long soft spring and contacts), but to get to them, the washing machine will have to be partially disassembled.
Algorithm of actions:
- The washing machine is disconnected from the power supply, water supply and sewerage networks, and moved away from the wall.
- Unscrew the inlet hose and drain the remaining water from it.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screws holding the washer cover (remove the panel and set it aside).
- Unscrew the fasteners holding the back panel.
- Carefully turning the drum pulley, remove the drive belt.
- Using an 8 mm socket wrench, unscrew the bolts holding the electric motor.
- Carefully disconnect all contacts and remove the motor.
To avoid reverse connection errors, everything that is done during disassembly of the washing machine must be photographed or videotaped. It is especially important to capture the connection diagram of the electric motor contacts.
How to replace?
After the motor is removed from the washing machine body, access is opened for a detailed inspection of the brushes. These are two protruding plates located on the motor housing.
To disconnect them, first remove the fasteners holding the part (use a Phillips screwdriver), after which the wires are disconnected with pliers.
Depending on your existing experience in repair work, you can replace the brushes in the Indesit washing machine in two ways.
Fully
Algorithm of actions:
- Use a rag moistened with alcohol to wipe the engine, contact chips, and motor slats.
- Using sandpaper with the finest grain fraction (“zero”), wipe the collector (this is how graphite chips are removed from the surface).
- A new part is installed in place of the previously dismantled brush. To do this, a graphite tip is inserted into the socket. The spring is compressed and also inserted into the socket.
The contacts are connected last. To avoid mistakes, during the connection process you need to check with previously taken photos or videos.
How to replace brushes on an Indesit washing machine, video instructions:
Partially
To replace only worn brush plates (the spring remains old), it is necessary to disconnect the plates from the engine body, bite off the springs with pliers. A new plate is soldered in place of the disconnected part.
It is important to observe the bevel angle at which the contact is connected to the capsule. Otherwise, there is a high risk of sparks occurring during engine operation.
How to put it back?
The brushes have been replaced - it's time to return the engine to its original place.
Algorithm of actions:
- put the motor on the mounting lugs, tighten the bolts;
- we check the stability of the motor to ensure there is no wobbling;
- return the back panel and lid of the washing machine to their original place;
- We connect the washing machine to the power supply, water supply and sewerage networks.
Subsequent operation of the Indesit washing machine
The process of installing new brushes has been completed, the electric motor has been returned to its original place - the time has come to test the work done.
Algorithm of actions:
- Set the washing program to minimum speed and press the “Start” button. An important point - the drive belt is not on yet!
- At the end of the wash, run the program again.
- We put the drive belt on the drum pulley. First of all, the belt is fixed to the engine pulley, and then, carefully turning it, onto the drum pulley.
- We set a washing program lasting at least one hour. The number of revolutions is minimal. An important point - there is no need to load the ram with linen!
The smooth operation of the washing machine, the absence of foreign odors and sparking indicates that the brushes are installed correctly. A slight noise in the first weeks after repair is considered normal.
Where to buy new ones, how much do they cost?
Brushes for Indesit washing machines are made from materials that meet high levels of strength and electrical conductivity. Carbon-graphite plates are distinguished not only by good performance characteristics, but also by efficiency.
You can purchase new elements for your washing machine at a service center that services Indesit household appliances or on specialized websites on the Internet. When choosing replacement parts, There are some tips to keep in mind:
- It is better to replace only with original brushes (designed specifically for this model of washing machine), the use of so-called “universal” options can cause malfunctions of household appliances;
- even if only one brush is worn out, both parts must be replaced, otherwise an uneven load on the rotor will cause malfunctions of the electric motor.
When ordering a new part, just name the brand and model of the washing machine and the seller himself will advise the most suitable option. On average, buying a pair of brushes for an Indesit spiral machine will cost 1000 rubles.
Call a specialist, price of work
During brush replacement There are many moments that require certain knowledge and skills (for example, adjusting belt tension, soldering contacts, or disassembling washing machines of older models).
If you have the slightest doubt about your own abilities, it is better to entrust the work of replacing brushes in the Indesit washing machine to professionals.
Masters of service centers servicing Indesit household appliances will quickly and efficiently carry out the necessary diagnostics and repairs of the washing machine. Internet search engines will help you find contacts of service centers.
On average, replacing brushes on an Indesit washing machine will cost 1,500 rubles. The estimate includes:
- dismantling of household appliances,
- engine dismantling,
- diagnostics and replacement of brushes,
- assembly and testing of the washing machine.
New parts are paid separately. Upon completion of the repair, the master is obliged to issue a Certificate of Completion to the client.
A lot of important and useful information about the repair of Indesit washing machines is presented in this section.
Conclusion
A detailed study and strict adherence to the sequence of actions for replacing brushes on an Indesit washing machine will help you quickly, with your own hands, restore the uninterrupted operation of household appliances.